Recognition

'Recognition: A European History of Ideas' is the latest work by Honneth, published in 2018. In this new book, Honneth further explores the concept of 'recognition' and its varied significance since the era of European modernization. He references three major intellectual currents-the French, British, and German-and examines the distinct philosophical interpretations and socio-political expressions that each has undergone in response to unique socio-political challenges. In France, the notion of 'recognition' is associated with the crisis of an individual's loss of self; in the United Kingdom, the process of 'recognition' is viewed as a condition for normative self-governance; in Germany, 'recognition' signifies the genuine achievement of mutual respect among people. Strikingly, none of these three meanings dates back to the 17th century, and they have lost all influence in contemporary times. Honneth delves into whether these three conceptions are currently complementary or obstructive to one another in his book, which also aids in clarifying our present self-understanding in political and cultural contexts.