Context and Hidden Problems of the Theory of Recognition

One of the most important versions of contemporary social thinking is based on the concept of recognition. The Hegelian concept suggests that the ego has no immediate relation to itself, but this relation is always and inevitably mediated by the recognition of others. The first part presents the theory of recognition based on the works of Axel Honneth and Charles Taylor. The second part analyses two skeptical approaches to the theory of recognition. The article suggests that the classic version of the theory of recognition could and should be radicalized on the basis of Jean-François Lyotard’s language pragmatical approach (minorities need first of all a language to articulate their problems and to struggle for recognition). Finally, the article tries to outline the inner problems of the theory of recognition, following mainly Nancy Fraser’s practical-political reasoning.