Contemporary theories of recognition

Abstract

This paper proposes, in a succinct manner, a first critical assessment exercise of the main theses crossing contemporary theories of recognition. Here, we specially highlight the book The Struggle for Recognition by the German sociologist and philosopher Axel Honneth, linked to the Hegelian tradition of 'Anerkennung' (Recognition) and which has a strong influence on philosophical thinking and social sciences. We underline two theories of the hermeneutical type present in Taylor and Ricoeur, who accept, in principle, the honnethian prism and propose different shades. The specific purpose of this paper is to present some of the main categories that are part of disputes between these thinkers. These theoretical and practical perspectives can respond contextually to the conflicts relative to ethnic minorities.