The public sphere is a concept associated with the German sociologist Jürgen Habermas, referring to the arena of public debate and discussion in modern societies where individuals can come together to freely discuss and form opinions about matters of general interest and concern, ideally independent of state control or economic pressures. Habermas envisioned the public sphere as a space for rational-critical discourse, where citizens could exchange ideas, critique power structures, and participate in the formation of public opinion, which could then influence political action and policy-making. This sphere is not necessarily a physical place but rather a discursive space that can exist in various forms, such as through media, public gatherings, and online platforms, where reasoned arguments and open dialogue are central to the process of shaping collective understanding and political will. The ideal of the public sphere emphasises accessibility, inclusivity, and the free exchange of ideas among informed citizens.