Recognition that starts from ignorance:

a critical of Honneth’s theory ba- sed on the epistemology of circularity and the philosophy of Macumba

Abstract

This text analyzes the adversities of recognition in Honneth’s work (2003) from a critical perspective, questions how different forms of recognition are articulated in the current context. In this sense, it points out that the normative perspective of recognition presents asymmetries in relation to the reality experienced by individuals of recognition. A priori, the study seeks to problematize how recognition has been outlined in academic literature and normative texts, based on the epistemologies of circularity and the philosophy of macumba. It argues that the way recognition is treated in official and academic texts falls short of the reality of individuals’ concrete social struggles. Therefore, the research is framed within a qualitative bibliographic approach, considering the interpretive method. To this end, the article concludes by pointing out that it is important to rethink the academic and normative forms of recognition, which requires individual and collective responsibility based on critical self-reflection, guided by the premise of putting oneself in the other’s place.

Keywords: Recognition. Axel Honneth. Practical experience. Other epistemologies and Philosophy of macumba.

Artwork cover: "Menina Zury," by Musoni Lima Mawete, is inspired by the bilingual work (Portuguese/Lingala) *Zuri e a Lua Mágica* (Zuri and the Magic Moon). "It is a story of tenderness, courage, and enchantment with nature, written by sociologist Letícia Fernanda in honor of her daughter, Zuri." This work celebrates African ancestry with poetry and beauty.