A form of social interaction oriented towards reaching mutual understanding and agreement through rational discourse and argumentation, rather than strategic manipulation or coercion.

A realm of social life where individuals can come together to discuss and debate matters of common concern, ideally free from the influence of state or economic power.

A moral framework that emphasizes the importance of open, inclusive discourse in determining valid norms and principles. It suggests that moral norms should be justified through rational argumentation among all affected parties.

A model of democracy that emphasizes the importance of public deliberation and reasoned debate in decision-making processes. It values inclusivity, participation, and the use of reason to reach consensus.

The background context of shared cultural understandings, values, and norms that shapes our everyday interactions and communication.

The realm of social structures and institutions (e.g., economy, state bureaucracy) that operate according to their own logic and can threaten to instrumentalize and colonize the lifeworld.

The process by which the system (e.g., market forces, bureaucratic procedures) encroaches upon and distorts the lifeworld, undermining the ability of individuals to communicate and coordinate their actions freely and rationally.