The Habermasian Foundations and Aims of Axel Honneth's Theory of Recognition

Abstract

The paper reconstructs Axel Honneth's theoretical evolution as a complex interrogation of Habermasian critical theory, arguing against a misconception that Honneth tries to “supersede” Habermas' perspective through an essentialist and reductionist social philosophy, and pointing out that Honneth's theory retains a “Habermasian” tension between two imperatives: attaining post-metaphysical normative foundations and articulating a “diagnostic” social critique. The paper concludes that Honneth's recent works exhibit a systems-theoretic sensitivity, which suggests that Honneth's “dialogue” with Habermas continues.