JURGEN HABERMAS - PUBLIC SPHERE

Jurgen Habermas is a German philosopher and sociologist and is best known for his work on the concept of public sphere.

Jurgen Habermas is considered as the most influential thinker in Germany. He has mastered and creatively articulated an extraordinary range of specialized literature in social sciences, social theory and the history of ideas in the development of critical theory of knowledge and human interests. 

Jurgen Habermas claims "We call events and occasions 'public' when they are open to all, in contrast to closed or exclusive affairs". This 'public sphere' is a realm of our social life in which something approaching public opinion can be formed. Access is guaranteed to all citizens. 

Habermas established a conceptual ideal space where all citizens would be able to gather and discuss matters of common interest in an 'unrestricted fashion'. (Said to be theoretical as a truly equitable society has not yet been established). 

According to Habermas, there are several necessary conditions for the public sphere to function in a way that meaningfully serves a wide section of population. It needs to be open to all citizens who assemble freely to express their opinions in public discussions (not on behalf of a business or private interest but as individuals dealing with common matters of general interest).

Public sphere may be divided into smaller and more cohesive conversations which focus on specific issues. e.g. Green public sphere - enables individuals to discuss the interest of a range of stakeholders - from activists to experts to corporates, elected officials as individuals. 

Public sphere is a realm in which public opinion is formed, it mediates between the state and society. 

The Habermasian model of a public sphere holds a normative claim, that is, he describes a space which can only exist in an ideal democratic state, where equal participation and consideration are available to everyone. 

Habermas and Twitter as a public sphere:

Today's public sphere is highly influenced by digitalization. 

Habermas pointed to 18th century cafes, salons and bares as places for democratic debate and the rise of public opinion. Mass media first changed the public sphere, and digitalization has made it more accessible to all. 

Social media makes it easier for activists to express themselves. Twitter is advertised as a public space in that its users can access tweets and read them whether or not they have an account. Creating an account and joining in on the public discussion only requires internet access and an email address. This notion of public space and the value of social activism on twitter is complicated by the idea that public spaces often exclude huge sections of the population. There are public spaces that are only accessible by some.