Critical approaches to modern public sphere: a general evaluation (postmodernism, feminism and religion)

The modern concept of the public sphere is expressed via the understanding of the public sphere which emerged after the 18th century. In this sense, it is possible to mention many debates regarding the public sphere which suggest different models. However, in our study within the framework of Hebermas, it has followed that the common principles and ideas of the modern public sphere have critical approaches previously unexplored. The principles of the modern publicsphere are determined within the framework of understanding man, universe, and society as determined by the idea of enlightenment. Since the modern public sphere is considered as a sphere for political purposes, it also has roots in the legitimacy of modern politicaland legal systems. Therefore, a concensus on the political issues being discussed in the public sphere. To reach definitive conclusions and conduct public negotiations correctly, it has been determined the basic principles of participants must be individuals with a rational mind. Beginning with the universality of mind, the universality of the public sphere is targeted. Modern public sphereres present universal values in which an exclusive and unequal character for many social groups which do not have these principles and values. Therefore, discussion and criticisms of the public sphere in the modern era have always been on the agenda. In addition to individual criticisms, different criticisims of a variety of philosophical and social movements on modern public sphere can be mentioned. However, criticisms from the perspective of postmodern feminism and religion are important as they are criticisms for the foundation of the public sphere. Although these three approaches are verydifferent from each other, they share similar points of criticism and even provide legitimacy for each other. Although religion and postmodernism criticizes the understanding of the enlightened and rational mind, the human universe, and secularity, feminism criticizes the determination of modern public spheres by men. Each perspective regarding criticism and legitimacy are different; however, the roads can cross on the critique of the modern public sphere