Manchester University Press Recognition Theory and Contemporary French Moral and Political Philosophy: Reopening the Dialogue (Reappraising the Political)

The revival of recognition theory has brought new energy to critical theory, producing an original paradigm for critically evaluating social structures. In general terms, recognition theory aims to assess social practices against a standard of social freedom identified with norms of interaction which are freely recognised by all parties. Until now, attention has primarily focused on the categories and forms of recognition theory. However, the influence of contemporary French theory upon the development of theories of recognition has not yet received the consideration it merits. The book takes up this task. Both pedagogical and critical, this collection outlines the current state of recognition theory, studies the influence of French theory upon its evolution, and uses French thought to identity aspects of the recognitive process which are often overlooked. With chapters by internationally recognised scholars including Axel Honneth, the book explores the continuing importance for recognition theory of French accounts of agonistic identity construction, embodied vulnerability, systematic oppression, ethical obligation, and reflexive theory construction. The chapters not only reconstruct the different ways in which contemporary French philosophy has already informed the work of thinkers like Axel Honneth, Nancy Fraser, Iris Marion Young, Judith Butler, and James Tully, they also identify new ways in which French thought might continue to inform the development of theories of recognition. It is our hope that this book will contribute to a continuing dialogue between recognition theory and contemporary French philosophy, supporting the intentions of critical theory with heightened attentiveness to oppression in all of its forms. Review This volume may help to answer a charge, frequently levelled against the theory of recognition, namely that it is nothing more than a theory of minority rights or differentiated citizenship dressed up in fancy Hegelian costume. This collection will interest anyone involved in ongoing debates about the development of theories of recognition. Each chapter is of exemplary theoretical and rhetorical quality; collectively they constitute a valuable intervention across those areas of moral and political philosophy, social theory and anthropology that converge under this interdisciplinary banner. (Jared Holley, Political Studies Review Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2014) From the Back Cover The revival of recognition theory has brought new energy to critical theory. In general terms, recognition theory aims to critically evaluate social structures against a standard of social freedom identified with norms of interaction which are freely recognised by all parties. Until now, attention has primarily focused on the categories and forms of recognition theory. However, the influence of contemporary French theory upon the development of theories of recognition has not yet received the consideration it merits. The book takes up this task. With chapters by internationally recognised authors, the collection outlines the current state of recognition theory, studies the impact of French theory, and uses French thought to identity aspects of the recognitive process which are often overlooked. Exploring French accounts of agonistic identity construction, vulnerability, power, ethical obligation and reflexive theory construction, this book supports the intentions of critical theory with heightened attentiveness to oppression in all of its forms. About the Author Miriam Bankovsky is Lecturer in Political Theory for the Politics program at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia. Alice Le Goff is Assistant Professor in Social Philosophy at Universite Paris Descartes (Paris 5).