Brief |
This course offers students an accessible overview of Recognition Theory, one of the most important strands of contemporary Western Social Philosophy. The course will have five main aims. (1) To highlight the importance of social recognition for the individual flourishing and autonomy of persons, and to consider the ways in which interpersonal and institutional relationships can provide recognition; as well to consider how social relationships involving ‘nonrecognition’ or disrespect can inhibit human flourishing, and motivate social and political change. (2) To inform students about the historical origins of Recognition Theory in the Social and Political Philosophy of Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel. (3) To consider a number of central topics in the contemporary Recognition Theory of Axel Honneth and Charles Taylor. Here we will examine their arguments for considering three forms of recognition (legal rights, social esteem, and interpersonal love) as the social preconditions for important aspects of individual autonomy (self-respect, self-esteem, and self-confidence). (4) To consider whether insights and concepts from the tradition of Phenomenological Philosophy – in particular regarding empathy and emotion – might help us to understand and further develop arguments in contemporary recognition theory. (5) To enable students to gain competence in reading and interpreting works of Western Philosophy, as well to demonstrate an ability to articulate and defend their own hilosophical theses with clarity. |
