Description
Book SynopsisIn
The Experience of Injustice, the French philosopher Emmanuel Renault opens an important new chapter in critical theory. Inspired by Axel Honneth, Renault argues that a radicalized version of Honneth’s ethics of recognition can provide a systematic alternative to the liberal-democratic projects of such thinkers as Rawls and Habermas.
Trade ReviewFor everyone who rightly assumes that social critique has to start from a diagnosis of what is in society experienced as an injustice or as a form of disrespect, this book is both a rich compendium and a theoretical guideline. Emmanuel Renault has done a magnificent job in outlining the empirical and philosophical contours of a critical theory based on a theory of recognition. -- Axel Honneth, author of
Freedom's Right: The Social Foundations of Democratic LifeTaking its theoretical problems and political orientation from contemporary experiences of injustice—the social and psychic sufferings of the dispossessed and deprived, the excluded and marginalized, the stigmatized, the invisible, the devalued—Renault's book proposes a major reconception of the theory of justice. Renault incisively organizes critical social theory, sociology, and psychoanalysis around a theory of the denial of recognition in its manifold forms, boldly calling for political philosophy to take sides and become a spokesperson against injustice. -- Christopher F. Zurn, author of
Axel HonnethThe Experience of Injustice is a major intervention into the field of critical political and social theory, pushing theories of justice and recognition to be more social, political, and activist. It will be heralded as a leading contribution to the field. -- James Ingram, author of
Radical CosmopoliticsRenault’s book should be welcomed by political philosophers working on theories of justice, identity politics, social movements, the limits of liberalism, and critical theory more generally...for philosophers working on the politics of recognition, the book is essential reading. -- Gabriel Gottlieb, Xavier University * Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews *
Table of ContentsTranslator’s Note
Preface
Introduction: Political Philosophy and the Clinic of Injustice
Part I: Injustice and the Denial of Recognition1. Social Movements and Critique of Politics
2. The Aporias of Social Justice
3. The Institutions of Injustice
Part II: The Politics of Identity and Politics in Identity4. Identity as the Experience of Injustice
5. A Defense of Identity Politics
Part III: Social Suffering6. Social Critique as a Voice for Suffering
7. Recognition and Psychic Suffering
Conclusion: Critique as a Voice Against Injustice
Notes
Index
