German philosopher and social critic Jürgen Habermas dies at 96

One the most influential thinkers in post-war Germany, he linked philosophy and political action throughout his life.

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Habermas, who began teaching philosophy and sociology at the University of Frankfurt in the 1960s, vocally supported the student revolt at West German universities at the time.

He was a leading member of the "Frankfurt School", a body of thought critical of capitalism from a "new left" perspective distinct from traditional Marxism.

He grew up in Nazi Germany and in the 1980s took part in a fierce debate with conservative historians who had questioned whether the Holocaust was a singularly German phenomenon.

Habermas's death was announced on Saturday by his publisher, Suhrkamp.