Jürgen Habermas Prince of Asturias Award for Social Sciences 2003

The Jury for the Prince of Asturias Award for Social Sciences 2003, convened in Oviedo, comprising D. Gonzalo Anes, D. Manuel Azpilicueta, Dña. Adela Cortina, D. Álvaro Cuervo, D. Félix Duque, D. Carlos Espinosa de los Monteros, D. Ángel Gabilondo, D. José Luis García Delgado, D. Manuel Jesús González, D. Luis González Seara, Dña. Carmen Iglesias, D. Juan Iranzo Martín, D. Aurelio Menéndez, D. Manuel Menéndez, D. José Oliu i Creus, D. Manuel Olivencia, D. Marcelino Oreja, D. José Manuel Otero Novas, D. Jaime Requeijo, D. Juan Vázquez, chaired by D. Manuel Fraga Iribarne and with D. José López-Muñiz acting as secretary, have unanimously decided to grant the Prince of Asturias Award for Social Sciences 2003 to Professor Jürgen Habermas.

The Jury acknowledge J. Habermas' commitment to research and critical reflection on the theories of modern society and the problems of modern man, in his quest for practical solutions to drive present and future democracy. In the philosophic tradition not only of Kant, Hegel and Marx but also of Weber, Parsons and Mead, he contributes to an understanding of post-industrial societies and the ideological implications of science, communication and public opinion, leading him to develop a theory of communicative action, a discourse ethics and a political policy founded upon deliberation.

J. Habermas can rightly be considered one of the classics of social sciences and philosophy, the epitome of humanist, cosmopolitan knowledge at the pinnacle of the philosophical thought of our times.

Oviedo, 14th May 2003