La Société Du Mépris: Vers Une Nouvelle Théorie Critique

by Axel Honneth

La société du mépris

Genres: Philosophy

Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Axel Honneth (born July 18, 1949) is a professor of philosophy at both the University of Frankfurt and Columbia University. He is also director of the Institut für Sozialforschung (Institute for Social Research) in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

Honneth's work focuses on social-political and moral philosophy, especially relations of power, recognition, and respect. One of his core arguments is for the priority of intersubjective relationships of recognition in understanding social relations. This includes non- and mis-recognition as a basis of social and interpersonal conflict. For instance, grievances regarding the distribution of goods in society are ultimately struggles for recognition.

Reviews

[Ken]

One of the best introductions to social philosophy from Rousseau onwards. Written as if he is trying to communicate to a 21st century audience and not expecting a 21st century audience to have an erudite arousal with 18th century nits.

[C · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting collection of essays by Axel Honneth summarizing what is unique about critical theory, and social philosophy. He's great at summarizing, but when he starts to diagnose and improvise his own ideas, the book goes downhill.