Recognition - PHI00125H

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Module summary

The module explores the philosophy of recognition as it is developed by philosophers such as Rousseau, Fichte, Hegel, Fanon, Honneth, and Renault.

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Spring Term 2022-23

Module aims

This module aims to:

1. introduce students to key debates, positions, and arguments in the philosophy of recognition;
2. enable students to develop their skills in critical analysis, argument, and communication.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module students should:

• understand some key debates, positions, and arguments in the philosophy of recognition.

• be able to critically evaluate the arguments in support of the positions discussed.

• be able to develop and clearly articulate their own positions and arguments.

Module content

This module will introduce students to some key debates, positions, and arguments in the philosophy of recognition as it is developed by philosophers such as Rousseau, Fichte, Hegel, Fanon, Honneth, and Renault. Topics considered will include some or all of the following: the nature and significance of recognition; recognition and human rights; recognition and racism; recognition and identity politics; recognition and ideology; recognition and social institutions; recognition and distributive justice.

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

The formative essay plan (No more than two pages of A4 in 12 point type) is due on Wednesday, Week 6, Autumn Term.

The 4,000-word summative essay is due on Monday, Week 2, Spring Term.

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100

Module feedback

Oral feedback will be given on the essay plan within no more than two weeks of submission.

Students will receive feedback on their summative work within four weeks of submission.

Indicative reading

• Fanon, F., Black Skin, White Masks (New York: Grove Press, 2007).

• Fichte, J. G., Foundations of Natural Right (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000).

• Honneth, A., The Struggle for Recognition: The Moral Grammar of Social Conflicts (Oxford: Polity, 1992).

• Honneth, A. and Fraser, N., Redistribution or Recognition: A Political-Philosophical Exchange (London: Verso, 2004).

• Kojève, A., Introduction to the Reading of Hegel: Lectures on the Phenomenology of Spirit (New York: Basic Books, 1969).

• Renault, A., The Experience of Injustice: A Theory of Recognition (New York: Columbia University Press, 2019).

• Rousseau, J.-J., “Discourse on the Origin and Foundations of Inequality Among Men or Second Discourse,” in The Discourses and Other Early Political Writings (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1997).

• Schmidt am Busch, H.-C. and Zurn, C. F. (eds.), The Philosophy of Recognition: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives (Lanham: Lexington Books, 2010).

• van den Brink, B. and Owen, D. (eds.), Recognition and Power: Axel Honneth and the Tradition of Critical Social Theory (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007).