This article sets out three ways of conceiving publics: (1) an organic conception, the public as the body politic; (2) an individualized conception, the public as an aggregate of individuals, grouped by social categories; and (3) a relational conception, in which publics are defined as open-ended networks of actors linked through flows of communication, shared stories, and civic or other collective concerns. These conceptions have emerged not only through theoretical reflection but also as the result of historical and institutional developments. Building on work from Tarde and Habermas down to recent theorists, I seek to advance the relational conception, suggest its implications for research, and highlight its connection to contemporary developments in both theory and society.

本文提出了三种构想公众的方式：（1）一种有机的观念，即公众作为身体的政治人物；（2）个体化的概念，即公众作为个体的总和，按社会类别分组；（3）关系概念，其中公众被定义为通过交流，共享故事以及公民或其他集体关注而联系在一起的开放性参与者网络。这些概念不仅通过理论反思出现，而且是历史和制度发展的结果。从塔德（Tarde）和哈贝马斯（Habermas）到最近的理论家，我力图推动关系概念的发展，提出其对研究的意义，并强调其与理论和社会当代发展的联系。