The Role of Recognition for Relational Theories of Autonomy

The article discusses the relationship between autonomy and recognition; it argues that recognition is a fundamental component in the development of autonomy-related competencies. Specifically, if autonomy is considered through the lens of relational accounts, recognition indeed affects self-authorization, or the ability that agents have to portray themselves as autonomous agents. Then, I define the concept of recognition by referring to Axel Honneth and Paul Ricoeur’s accounts of recognition. While Honneth’s conception falls into an essentialistic paradigm, Ricoeur’s one portrays recognition as a gift. In addition, I argue that Ricoeur’s theory of recognition allows a shift in the symbolic order of society through the concept of utopia. This shift helps in preventing marginalizing practices that are undermining the autonomy of minorities or economically disadvantaged subjects in a society.