© Roger M Tagg 2012
Welcome to FROLIO – a new attempt to merge philosophy and the "semantic web" . This website is under continuing development.
This book is about the struggle between the 'politics of equality' (redistribution) and the 'politics of difference' (recognition). The two authors aren't simply one on each side; they both recognize both issues, but Honneth says that redistribution should be 'subordinate' to recognition, whereas Fraser regards them as two independent dimensions or 'axes' which should be given equal weight.
I haven't done a page-by-page set of highlights here. I just list some of the points made.
1. Redistribution shouldn't be just on the basis of "to each according to his need". The effort put in should come into the equation.
2. Honneth (and also Charles Taylor) says that recognition as a topic derives from Hegelian philosophy. We see the 'other' as equal and separate.
3. Recognition sometimes 'papers over the cracks' of injustice and domination - so it's not enough by itself. There's an element of "folk paradigms of justice" here.
4. Do we have any criteria for evaluating 'moral progress'?
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I would first of all say that neither redistribution nor recognition can be 'imposed'.
Regarding recognition, if we are to 'recognize' groups on the basis of people wanting to identify, won't many individuals feel they want to identify with more than one group? A person might want to identify with 'females', 'poor people', 'lesbians', 'environmentalists' as well as their particular ethnic or religious group. It reminds me of the interview Stephen Fry did with the man described as a 'gay, black republican'.
I would also say that the need to 'throw one's lot in' with some group, especially one with an aggressive 'agenda' doesn't strike everyone equally. many of us are not natural 'activists'.
Index to more highlights of interesting books
Some of these links may be under construction – or re-construction.
This version updated on 10th June 2012
If you have constructive suggestions or comments, please contact the author rogertag@tpg.com.au .