“Public Sphere” How is Democracy Done?

Maria Butyaeva, Lev Derjabin, Kris Haamer

What is this Public Sphere?

• An idealized model of democratic debate

• People come together in various forms and discuss issues of common concern

“Public Sphere” How is Democracy Done?

“Public Sphere” How is Democracy Done?

Ideal Public Sphere

• Three premises are neccessary for the functioning of an ideal public sphere

1. Easy access

2. Rational debate

3. Disregard of rank

• Discussion in a public sphere inherently

prevents central state control

“Public Sphere” How is Democracy Done?

“Public Sphere” How is Democracy Done?

Jürgen Habermas, a visionary

“Public Sphere” How is Democracy Done?

Dr. Axel Bruns, professor, blogger Dr. Axel Bruns, professor, blogger

“Public Sphere” How is Democracy Done?

18th century, local discussion in a coffee shop

“Public Sphere” How is Democracy Done?

21st century, local discussion in a coffee shop

“Public Sphere” How is Democracy Done?

21st century, mobile discussion on Facebook

“Public Sphere” How is Democracy Done?

21st century, global discussion on Facebook

“Public Sphere” How is Democracy Done?

• In May 2008, Facebook has more than a 100 million users

“Public Sphere” How is Democracy Done?

Towards the Internet Sphere

• Habermas: in postmodern societies, the public sphere will be fragmented

• Bruns: although the spheres may be multiple, and come in various sizes, they are connected

“Public Sphere” How is Democracy Done?

21st century, content created trough public discussion on Wikipedia

“Public Sphere” How is Democracy Done?

21st century, content highlighted trough public voting on digg

“Public Sphere” How is Democracy Done?

Bourgeois Public Sphere

1. Centered around coffeehouses, literary salons, and the print media

2. Ideals of equality, human rights, and justice

3. Ideally, strength of one's argument is more important than one's identity but preconceptions get in the way

“Public Sphere” How is Democracy Done?

Dr. Axel Bruns, professor, blogger

Internet Public Sphere

1. Centered around news, social networks, blogs, forums, wikis, etc.

2. Equality, human rights, and justice – held in high practical regard

3. Strength of one's argument is often more important than one's identity

Key Conclusions

1. Discussion in public spheres prevents central state control

2. Public discussion brings about free democratic societies

3. The Internet stimulates conversaton over issues of common concern

“Public Sphere” How is Democracy Done?

Thank You!