6. Discourse ethics I: the discourse theory of morality

Discourse ethics is the normative heart of Habermas's philosophy. In it he develops themes of publicity, inclusiveness, equality, solidarity, justice in terms of the pragmatic meaning programme, and the programme of social theory. ‘Discourse ethics I: the discourse theory of morality’ examines the origins and meaning of discourse ethics and Habermas's views on the discourse theory of morality and moral discourse. The discourse theory of morality does not directly ask: ‘What ought I to do?’. Rather, it aims to uncover the conditions under which modern moral agents can successfully answer that question for themselves. We can understand Habermas's moral theory as an explication of what it means to make a good validity claim to rightness.