ABSTRACT
This chapter first examines Jurgen Habermas theory of communicative action, then his critical appraisal of some classic and contemporary authors in the light of his theoretical approach. His thesis on the rationalization and colonization of the life world, and the consequences of these processes on communicative action. The chapter describes the elements of thematic continuity of his thought, rather than suggest the presence of different development stages. Social sciences have an interpretative or hermeneutic nature because they are responsible for rationally reconstructing and critically appraising the validity claims laid throughout a communicative process. Habermas carefully considers Kohlberg's theory concerning the shaping of moral conscience. Kohlberg bases his empirical theory on ethic presuppositions of a philosophical nature, such as cognitivism, universalism and formalism. The typical universalistic claims of communicative rationality can neither be curbed by procedural limits nor presumably be effective for actors who have a different cultural and socialization levels, and hence different values, preferences and rules to follow.
