Recognition and the Human Life-Form: Beyond Identity and Difference

This book explores the significance of recognition in various forms for human persons, reconstructing classical and contemporary accounts to argue for its universal importance. It develops a synoptic conception of recognition and advocates for a universalist anthropological position that aims to establish a philosophically sound basis for a discourse of common humanity. The book provides insights and conceptual tools for understanding deep intuitions shared across cultures about what makes human life and forms of human co-existence better or worse.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Recognition holds immense significance in the lives of human beings, encompassing a wide range of forms and dimensions. This book aims to develop a comprehensive and rational understanding of the importance of recognition through a reconstruction and internal critique of classical and contemporary accounts.

The book begins by clarifying several fundamental questions related to recognition. It then reconstructs the core ideas of influential thinkers such as Fichte, Hegel, Taylor, Fraser, and Honneth, drawing upon the insights and conceptual tools developed across these chapters. This reconstruction serves as the foundation for arguing in favor of the universal importance of recognition for human beings.

One unique aspect of this book is its advocacy for a universalist anthropological position, which is uncommon in the literature on recognition. It seeks to establish a philosophically sound basis for a discourse of common humanity or a shared human life-form for which moral relations of recognition are essential. By synthesizing these diverse perspectives, the book aims to provide a comprehensive conception of the importance of recognition that can resonate across cultures and disciplines.

The significance of recognition is explored from various angles. It is seen as a vital component of human flourishing, enabling individuals to develop their full potential and engage in meaningful relationships with others. Recognition also plays a crucial role in social justice, as it ensures that individuals are treated with dignity and respect and that their voices are heard and valued. Moreover, recognition is essential for the construction of identity and self-esteem, as it helps individuals to feel valued and accepted by others.

In addition to its theoretical implications, this book offers practical applications in various fields. It provides insights into the dynamics of power, inequality, and discrimination, and how recognition can be used as a tool for promoting social change and equality. The book also has implications for education, as it highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives and experiences.

Recognition and the Human Life-Form is a valuable resource for readers interested in philosophical anthropology, social and political philosophy, critical theory, and the history of philosophy. It also provides ideas and conceptual tools for fields such as anthropology, education, disability studies, international relations, law, politics, religious studies, sociology, and social research.

Chapter 5 of this book is available for free in PDF format as Open Access from the individual product page at www.routledge.com. It has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribut.

Weight: 480g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032223322