The time of generations

This article develops a discursive-pragmatic concept from Mannheim's theory of generation, especially from his idea of generation as an actuality whic h emphazises the collective cognitive background or horizon of a generation . The author also discusses the emergence of such a cognitive background as dependent on a coincidence of different time perspectives, which are biogr aphical, historical, and generational times. To explicate the discursive pr actice of generations the concepts of 'historical time' (Robinson), 'histor ical semantics' (Luhmann), and 'cultural circles' are introduced. The autho r works out an understanding of the 'problem of generation' that should lea d to empirical investigations on this topic by using interpretive and recon structive research methods.