Justice, Recognition, and Institutions

Justice, Recognition, and Institutions: A Dialogue with Axel Honneth invites readers to rethink the foundations of democratic life through one of the most influential social theories of our time. Featuring a previously unpublished piece by Axel Honneth, the book brings together voices from Europe and Latin America that critically engage with his work and reframe it from diverse perspectives, addressing issues such as labor, care, exclusion, social freedom, and institutional legitimacy. Structured in three parts, the volume revisits the philosophical foundations of recognition, explores how labor shapes identity and justice, and applies Honneth’s theses to concrete contexts such as artistic creation, motherhood, and the experience of victimhood. The book culminates in a written response by Honneth to each contribution, making the volume a living example of critical theory in action. Rather than a retrospective tribute, this is a vibrant, situated dialogue that demonstrates how recognition can continue to renew institutions and revitalize the democratic project. This is an open access book.