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concept1992-present

Recognition Theory

Disciplines:
political philosophy
philosophy/social philosophy

Summary

The social and political philosophical tradition holding that a fundamental human need is for recognition by others — and that misrecognition (disrespect, invisibility, contempt) constitutes a fundamental injustice.

Core Contribution

Hegel's master-slave dialectic: self-consciousness requires recognition by another self-consciousness. Taylor's politics of recognition: modern identity politics turns on whether one's identity is recognized or distorted by society and institutions. Honneth's tripartite theory: recognition in three spheres — love (primary relationships), rights (legal recognition), solidarity (social esteem). Misrecognition in each produces distinctive forms of suffering. The framework for understanding multicultural claims, feminist theory, and struggles for civil rights.

Historical Influences

Hegel George Herbert Mead

Intellectual Lineage

Hegelian Philosophy Critical Theory

Allied Works

The Struggle for RecognitionMulticulturalism Redistribution or Recognition?

Contemporaries & Peers

Redistribution TheoryCapabilities Approach

Minds Influenced

Critical Theory Multiculturalism Feminist Theory

Intellectual Posterity

Critical Theory Multiculturalism Identity Politics

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Recognition Theory

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