What do we mean by the public sphere and what are its main functions?

What do we mean by the public sphere and what are its main functions?

The Public Sphere is a phrase coined by German philosopher Jürgen Habermas. It refers to all the mediums and places that people use to express and devise opinions and views. It is these places that people have formed democratic society on and how they continue to be maintained is through the continued use of Public Spheres. This is shown by Habermas writings;

"a realm of our social life in which something approaching public opinion can be formed. Access is guaranteed to all citizens. A portion of the public sphere assemble to form a public body"

The idea of the Public Sphere also strongly promotes the idea of free speech within society. The Public Sphere was a forum where people could express freely their views with others on matters of social concern. The use of the Public Sphere was not there to air personal issues, but instead to raise more general topics that could effect any important executive de...