ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
In recognition of his myriad contributions to this study, I want to
express my gratitude to George F. McLean, Professor of Philosophy of The
Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.; Secretary of The Council for
Research in Values and Philosophy; and Secretary of The International Society
of Metaphysics, for introducing me some years ago to the work of Jürgen
Habermas in a manner that eventually led to the writing of this work. Those
familiar with his unbounded kindness have some idea of the magnitude of my
debt. Indeed, his incisive comments and constant support have been the sine
qua non for the conception and realization of this volume; albeit any
limitations contained herein are, of course, my own.
For his insightful comments on my early study on Habermas, I would like
to thank Dr. Harold A. Durfee, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy and William
Frazier McDowell Chair of Philosophy of The American University, Washington,
D.C.
I would also like to mention the indirect assistance provided by
Professors Richard J. Bernstein, Fred R. Dallmayr, David Held, Thomas McCarthy,
Rick Roderick, John B. Thompson, and Stephen White, whose scholarly
contributions have largely been responsible for making the work of Jürgen
Habermas known within Anglo-American circles. His indefatigable contributions
have come largely to define much of contemporary philosophical discourse.
Finally, I want to express my gratitude to the Founder of the Idente
School, Professor Fernando Rielo, for evoking new metaphysical horizons as
this study was being completed.