New Directions for a Critical Theory of Work: Reading Honneth Through Deranty. Issue 2 (3rd April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Boston, Timothy
• Is Part Of: Critical horizons. Volume 19:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 111
• Page End: 124
• Publication Date: 2018-04-03
• Subjects: Recognition -- work -- alienation -- critical theory -- Axel Honneth -- Jean-Philippe Deranty; Critical theory -- Periodicals; 142.05
• DOI: 10.1080/14409917.2018.1453287
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1440-9917

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Axel Honneth's theory of recognition has been criticised for presenting a deficient concept of work and the normative significance of work. In recent years Jean-Philippe Deranty, among others, has suggested that Honneth could overcome this deficiency by reintroducing into his mature theory the critical concept of work that first appeared in his 1977–1985 writings. My paper critically reconstructs and assesses Deranty's position. I argue that Deranty has understated the extent to which his research direction diverges from Honneth's. Rather than simply nuancing Honneth's existing philosophical system, Deranty's work exposes some of its conceptual limits and points beyond it.