An Idea from S.Stockwell's Lecture

THE PUBLIC SPHERE

For me this was an interesting concept addressed in lecture which I thought I would do some further research on. I find it hard to grasp things if I don't look for myself so here is my understanding of the public sphere from my research-

The 'Public Sphere'(to my understanding) consists of people from society who gather together to voice their opinions on the needs of the state (thi can be done both physically and verbally through gatherings and other forms of communication....it donesn't necessarily have to be a physical gathering as such). Through these gatherings it was hoped that some form of guidance would be given to the state. Ultimately the 'Public Sphere' was a way in which to ensure that the main authority operated appropriately in a democracy.

This Pulic Sphere became prevalent in the 18th Century within coffee houses and knowledgable societies (for example literary societies) and also through the press. While the Public Sphere aimed to gain minor control of the State, the State found it necessary to keep on top of the Public Sphere.

The key for the Public Sphere to succeed was for its members to have rational, logical and equal participation. Communication was of great importance.

It seems that as society developed this took a toll on the publis sphere, especially in regards to the media. As this grew the want for money became greater and manipulation more prevalent. So there was no longer a level ground where information and knowledge was unbiased and available to all. Instead it was more readily available to the privileged (H-Ref 1).

For me the Public Sphere seemed to promote the idea of general society coming together to ensure that their rights and needs were met. This particular Sphere also seemed pure to a certain extent, where educated opinions could be voiced and acted upon. However, I think that the rise of the media tarnished this as it allowed for bias and manipulation. Propaganda conned people into believing certain things or thinking a certain way. The Public Sphere may still exist today, but I don't think it would be in a pure form, it would be open to bias, manipulation and propoganda as the media feeds to us what we should believe.

For me the Public Sphere kind of demonstrates how we are told what to think. Its beginning shows to a certain degree how we would all like to be, educated with out bias. We want to know the facts, we don't want to be fed propaganda, but in our day and age we don't really form our own opinions and if we do they are formed off of what other people have told us and not what we personally know or think ourselves.

I think I've made my point. Not entirely sure how to put it in words, but I hope you can understand that.



References:

H-Ref 1:Marshall Soules
http://records.viu.ca/~soules/media301/habermas.htm
Accessed Monday October 5, 2009.