PhD Degree Awarded to Ms. Amani Al-Yemeni in Philosophy

Ms. Amani Abdullah Mohammed Al-Yemeni was awarded a PhD degree for her dissertation titled “The Theory of Communicative Action and the Concept of the Public Sphere in Habermas’s Philosophy: A Critical Analytical Study,” which was submitted to the Department of, Faculty of Arts and Humanities – Sana’a University. The PhD dissertation defense was held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, corresponding to Safar 6, 1446 Hijri.

The PhD Viva-Voce Committee, which was formed based on a resolution issued by the Post-Graduate Studies and Scientific Research Council, consisted of the following:

#	Committee Members	Designation	University	Position
1	Assoc. Prof. Hameed Iskandar	Internal Examiner	Sana’a University	Chair
2	Prof. Tawfeeq Mujahed Ssalem	Main Supervisor	Aden University	Member
3	Assoc. Prof. Sanad Saleh Al-Saadas	External Examiner	Aden University	Member

The dissertation aimed to analyze the philosophical project of Jürgen Habermas by exploring the foundations of his theory of communicative action and its link to the concept of the public sphere. The study sought to highlight how Habermas reconstructs modern rationality on a communicative and argumentative basis, which allows for the production of shared understanding and enhances the potential for democratic participation, justice, and social critique. The research also examined the applicability of this model in the contemporary Arab context.

The dissertation revealed several important findings, including:

Communicative Action: Habermas’s theory is not merely a linguistic model but a comprehensive philosophical project that aims to rebuild rationality on the basis of dialogue and mutual understanding, rather than the domination and instrumentalism that have characterized modernity.
The Public Sphere: In Habermas’s thought, the public sphere represents the space where rational understanding among citizens is achieved. It is considered the foundation for a legitimate public opinion, provided that freedom, equality, and open participation are ensured.
Applicability in the Arab Context: The study concluded that the theory is applicable in the Arab context, particularly in rebuilding the public sphere, reviving the values of dialogue and recognition, and establishing a democratic space based on communication instead of exclusion.

The dissertation recommended:

Integrating the theory of communicative action into university curricula in philosophy and social sciences departments.
The need to revitalize the public sphere in Arab societies by building genuine dialogue spaces that allow for the participation of all segments of society without exclusion.
Encouraging comparative studies that bridge Habermas’s work with that of contemporary Arab thinkers to explore the potential for local application of communicative action and public sphere concepts.
Focusing on applied research that studies the possibility of activating Habermas’s theory within civil and democratic institutions to serve political and social development in the Arab world.

The PhD dissertation was examined and recommended by the Viva-Voce Committee for acceptance and approval. The PhD defense was attended by a number of academics, researchers, interested students, the candidate’s colleagues, and family members.