Jürgen Habermas, German philosopher and sociologist, dies aged 96

One of most influential philosophers of the 20th century, Habermas helped shape discourse around European integration and the formation of the EU. Photograph: Simela Pantzartzi/EPA

The influential German philosopher and sociologist Jürgen Habermas has died at the age of 96, his publisher has said.

Habermas, a towering figure in the intellectual history of postwar Germany, is best known for his theory of political consensus-building. Widely considered one of most influential philosophers of the 20th century, he also helped to shape the discourse around European integration and the formation of the EU.