| 책 소개 |

Since the early 1960s, Jürgen Habermas has persistently redefined the contours of Critical Theory through sustained engagements with positivism, Marxism, psychoanalysis, hermeneutics, systems theory, and postmodernism. His critique of positivism, comparable in scope to Marx’s critique of political economy, exemplifies his enduring attempt to reconstruct the emancipatory project of critical reason in dialogue with science and society. Even today, revisiting these debates remains intellectually exhilarating. 

From April 28 to May 12, 1996, Habermas made his first and only visit to Korea. During his two-week stay, he delivered seven public lectures in various cities including Seoul, Daegu, and Gwangju, beginning with a lecture titled “Popular Sovereignty and National Reunification” at Seoul National University. In addition, a full-day workshop was organized, where leading Korean scholars from diverse fields joined him in a critical dialogue, assessing and engaging with his ongoing efforts to reconstruct Critical Theory. 

This book revisits and reconstructs the discussions that unfolded in that workshop, held nearly thirty years ago on May 10, 1996, at the Hoam Faculty House of Seoul National University. More than a ceremonial gathering, the event became a historic encounter that opened a discursive space for communication, reflection, and the renewal of critical thought.

| 엮은이 소개 | 

한상진

서울대학교 사회학과 및 동대학원을 졸업했으며, 미국 서던일리노이대학교에서 사회학 박사 학위를 받았다. 김대중 정부 시절 한국정신문화연구원 원장, 대통령 자문 정책기획위원회 위원장을 지냈다. 미국 뉴욕 컬럼비아대학교, 프랑스 파리 고등사회과학원(EHESS), 독일 베를린사회과학센터(WZB), 중국 베이징대학교‧칭화대학교 초빙교수를 역임했으며, 외규장각 도서 반환 한국 측 민간 협상 대표로 활동했다. 현재 서울대학교 사회학과 명예교수이자 (재)중민재단 이사장, 중국 난징대학교 겸임 교수 및 유학과신사회학 연구소장, 지린대학교 객좌 교수로 있다. 저서로는 『중민이론의 탐색』, 『한국사회와 관료적 권위주의』, 『하버마스와의 대화』, 『탈바꿈』, 『민주화 세대』, 『중민의 발견과 성장』, 『Divided Nations and Transitional Justice』, 『Beyond Risk Society』, 『Asian Tradition and Cosmopolitan Politics』, 『Confucianism and Reflexive Modernity』, 『Love as Healing』(심영희와 공저) 등이 있다.

| 차례 |

PREFACE

Introduction. Habermas and Korea: A Historic Encounter in Memory and Tribute

Chapter One. The SNU Workshop on Critical Theory

Opening Remarks

Critical Theory from a Social Science Perspective

Habermas Confronts Classical Social Theorists

The Linguistic Turn of Critical Theory

Spheres of Communication and Discourse Ethics

Discourse Ethics in Legal and Political Matters

Question and Answer Session

Closing Remarks

Workshop Review: Social Philosophy (Nam-in Lee)

Workshop Review: Social Science (Hong-lim Yoo)

Chapter Two. Habermas’s Departure Press Conference

The Public Sphere and Korean Society

Marxism and the West Today

The Information Society and the Role of Intellectuals

Religious Culture and Modernization

The Meaning of Critical Theory in Korea

North-South Relations and Journalism Reform

Chapter Three. Two Weeks in Korea: The Full Backstory

Planning the Visit

Convening of the SNU Seonam Committee

My First Visit with Habermas

A Second Visit with Habermas

Lost in Translation: A Misreading of Habermas’s Intentions

Preparations for the Workshop

Habermas’s Arrival

First Day in Seoul

Conversation at Changdeokgung Palace

A Break from the Formal Schedule

Lecture at SNU

Encountering the Reality of Korean Society

The SNU Colloquium

A Burst of Anger at the KSA Symposium

Meeting with Kim Dae-jung

Lecture at the Korean Philosophical Association

Regional Travels

A Tour of POSCO (Pohang Steel Company)

An Afternoon by the East Sea

Traveling to Gyeongju

A Conversation with Monk Jong-rim at Haeinsa Temple

Lecture at Keimyung University

On to Namwon through Jirisan Mountain

Paying a Visit to Mangwol-dong Cemetery in Gwangju

Lecture at Chonnam National University

Meetings on Thursday Afternoon

Workshop on Habermas’s Critical Theory

Joint Press Conference

The Role of Philosophy in Modern Society

Habermas’s Last Dinner in Korea