Communicative Action and the Radical Constitution: The Habermasian Challenge to Hayek, Mises and Their Descendents
20 Pages Posted: 16 Jun 2008 Last revised: 22 Nov 2010
Date Written: March 1, 2007
Abstract
This paper evaluates Jurgen Habermas's typology of action and his recent call for a radically democratic rule of law. The theory of action that Habermas develops, however, differs significantly from the science of action (praxeology) of the Austrian school. As such, it represents a methodological challenge to Austrian praxeology. Additionally, Habermas's criticism of the welfare state is shown to be somewhat consistent with Hayek's criticisms, but his alternative to the welfare state challenges the political vision of many Austrian economists. This paper attempts to demonstrate that both Habermas's and the Austrian school's efforts suffer from similar weaknesses and epistemological pretences.
Keywords: Austrian economics, Habermas, Praxeology, Rule of law, Welfare state
JEL Classification: B41, D7, D63, P16
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation