Pragmatics, poststructuralism, and hermeneutics: An examination of discursive-consensus formation and its ethical implications

In this paper, I examine how Jürgen Habermas, Jacques Derrida, Michel Foucault, and Hans-Georg Gadamer deal with the subject of discursive-consensus formation in their work. I argue that while Habermas's theory of communicative action provides a comparative benchmark on the subject of consensus, and Gadamer's work on hermeneutics supports him to an extent, Derrida's focus on deconstruction and the critique of metaphysics and Foucault's project of disrupting sedimented discourses present markedly divergent opinions on the subject. As such, I also look at the ethical and political implications of each of their respective positions specific to the issues of consensus, understanding, and dialogue.