Abstract

In this thesis, it is my intent to argue that introducing John Dewey's aesthetic theory into Jürgen Habermas's pragmatics of communication will provide more evidence in opposition to the suggestion that manipulation can avert future legitimation crises. In developing this thesis, several steps will be taken. First, I will explicate Habermas's work on legitimation crises in order to explain what a legitimation crisis is and how such a crisis arises. I will then consider two potential remedies that might help avert a legitimation crisis: increasing material rewards or increasing ideology/manipulation. Next, I will provide some explanations concerning why Habermas's pragmatic theory needs to be reinforced in order to adequately oppose the recommendation to use manipulation to avert legitimation crises. By juxtaposing Dewey's aesthetic theory with Habermas's pragmatics of communication, I intend to align myself with Habermas, and oppose the suggestion that manipulation can permanently avert future legitimation crises. By considering Dewey alongside Habermas, I will problematize manipulation and argue that manipulation is an unstable remedial measure. In conclusion, I will suggest that more stable remedial measures need to be sought if society desires to permanently avert legitimation crises