Theory of Universal Pragmatics

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the study of general and universal aspects of language with specific reference to Jorgen Habermas' rules for using and understanding language rationally. The goal of universal pragmatics is to identify and reconstruct conditions of possible understanding. The advantages and disadvantages of Habermas' "Universal Pragmatics" are discussed. It is of the writer's opinion that Habermas' emphasis on systematization and organization at times forces linguistic phenomena into pre-established categories, which leaves little room for nuances, details or humanly necessary embellishments.

From the Paper:

"This concept when adequately applied extends across the boundaries of culture and language, e.g. two Englishmen would use the same formulations to communicate in English, as would two Frenchmen "in French." In this seminal work, in the book, "Communication and Evolution of Society," Habermas provides a simple construct for ideal communication (Habermas 1979). Throughout "What is Universal Pragmatics?" he maintains that all the complexities of sentence structures and their utterances are successfully communicated if an original intent is adhered to. Habermas maintains, that each form of communication, direct and otherwise, is to reach understanding. Such a pure communication is only possible if it is conducted "in a nutshell" clearly and honestly."

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