HABERMAS’ COMMUNICATIVE RATIONALITY AS INDISPENSABLE IN SOLVING THE PROBLEM OF GLOBAL TERRORISM

Abstract

This research examines communicative rationality as indispensable for solving the problem of global terrorism. The menace of terrorism has become a global problem and so Habermas’ theory of communicative rationality will play a very vital role in this research. This is because the deadly destructions of lives, properties and the world social caused and being caused by terrorist activities has led to the call for a critical examination of terrorism. This research is propelled by the following problems: what is the relation between terrorism and communication, if any? How can communicative rationality help in our quest to solve the problem of global terrorism? This research discovers and argues that terrorism is a form of communication. It is a means of communicating to a third party about perceived grievances, injustices and ills in the society. In other words, it is a failed form of communication as it does not aim at reaching mutual understanding. As a solution, we argued for Habermas’ communicative rationality as an indispensable tool in mitigating global terrorism. In order to achieve our set objectives, we employed the method of hermeneutics. Hermeneutics, because of the need to interpret Habermas’ theory of communicative rationality in the light of global terrorism. This research therefore concludes that the world would be a better place if communicative rationality and dialogical encounter are applied in all their ramifications as against violence of any kind in order to ensure continuous peace and order in man’s search for a better society.