Knowledge, communication, action - these are the concepts central to all of Habermas's thought. As a philosopher, he is concerned with the rational connection of these concepts. As a sociologist, he is prepared to analyze with care the distortion of human interaction caused by existing social and political institutions.

Here for the first time are Habermas's most important writings on society, the state, and social theory collected in one volume. For more than three decades Habermas has consistently attempted to supply foundations for a reconstructed Marxist social theory that provides a critical analysis of modernity. He has defended the position that only if a general notion of reason can be invoked can we hope to sustain a democratic social order. This carefully edited volume includes selections from Habermas's earliest works through his most recent: essays on the aim of social science, the structure of a theory of action and society, the development of modern society, psychoanalysis, and the crisis of the welfare state.

"For those concerned with the relationships between thought and action, KNOWLEDGE AND HUMAN INTERESTS will quickly be recognized as a brilliant book -- and a bold outline for a new social theory." (Times Literary Supplement)