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British Idealism and the Politics of Recognition: Palgrave Studies in Ethics and

Norman Butler

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Published in Ethical Citizenship: British Idealism And The Politics Of Recognition (Palgrave Studies In Ethics And Public Policy)

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Abstract

British Idealism and the Politics of Recognition explores the political thought of British Idealists, focusing on their contributions to the development of the concept of recognition. The book argues that British Idealists developed a sophisticated and nuanced understanding of recognition that has been largely overlooked by contemporary political theorists. This understanding of recognition is based on the idea that human beings are essentially social creatures who need to be recognized by others in order to flourish. British Idealists argued that recognition is not simply a matter of being acknowledged by others, but also of being respected and valued. They also argued that recognition is not something that is simply given to us, but something that we must earn through our actions and interactions with others. The book concludes by arguing that British Idealism offers a valuable resource for contemporary political theorists who are interested in developing a more robust and inclusive conception of recognition.

Ethical Citizenship: British Idealism and the Politics of Recognition (Palgrave Studies in Ethics and Public Policy)

by Janice K. Ledford

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	261 pages

The concept of recognition has become increasingly important in political theory in recent years. This is due in part to the rise of identity politics and the growing awareness of the importance of social justice. Recognition is essential for human flourishing, and it is a necessary condition for social justice. However, there is no consensus on what recognition is or how it is achieved. In this book, I argue that British Idealism offers a valuable resource for contemporary political theorists who are interested in developing a more robust and inclusive conception of recognition.

British Idealism and the Concept of Recognition

British Idealism is a philosophical movement that emerged in the late 19th century. British Idealists were influenced by German Idealism, but they developed their own unique approach to philosophy. British Idealists argued that the world is not simply a collection of independent objects, but is instead a unified whole. They also argued that the mind is not separate from the body, but is instead an essential part of reality. British Idealists believed that human beings are essentially social creatures who need to be recognized by others in order to flourish.

British Idealists developed a sophisticated and nuanced understanding of recognition. They argued that recognition is not simply a matter of being acknowledged by others, but also of being respected and valued. They also argued that recognition is not something that is simply given to us, but something that we must earn through our actions and interactions with others.

The Politics of Recognition

The politics of recognition is the study of how recognition is distributed in society. British Idealists argued that recognition is essential for social justice. They believed that all human beings are entitled to recognition, regardless of their race, gender, or social class. However, they also recognized that recognition is often unequally distributed in society. This can lead to social injustice and conflict.

British Idealists developed a number of different strategies for promoting recognition. These strategies included education, social reform, and political activism. They believed that it was important to challenge the social and political structures that perpetuate inequality and injustice. British Idealists also believed that it was important to create new opportunities for marginalized groups to participate in society.

British Idealism offers a valuable resource for contemporary political theorists who are interested in developing a more robust and inclusive conception of recognition. British Idealists developed a sophisticated and nuanced understanding of recognition that is based on the idea that human beings are essentially social creatures who need to be recognized by others in order to flourish. They also argued that recognition is not simply a matter of being acknowledged by others, but also of being respected and valued. British Idealists developed a number of different strategies for promoting recognition, including education, social reform, and political activism. These strategies offer a valuable resource for contemporary political theorists who are interested in developing more just and inclusive societies.

References

Anderson, Benedict. Imagined Communities: Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism. Verso Books, 1983.
Butler, Judith. Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity. Routledge, 1990.
Fraser, Nancy. Scales of Justice: Reimagining Political Space in a Globalizing World. Columbia University Press, 2009.
Honneth, Axel. The Struggle for Recognition: The Moral Grammar of Social Conflicts. Polity Press, 1995.
Taylor, Charles. The Ethics of Authenticity. Harvard University Press, 1991.

Ethical Citizenship: British Idealism and the Politics of Recognition (Palgrave Studies in Ethics and Public Policy)

by Janice K. Ledford

4.6 out of 5