The Politics of Recognition

essay by Taylor

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July 20, 2026

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Charles Taylor's essay, "The Politics of Recognition," explores the growing demand for public acknowledgment of particular identities based on factors like gender, race, or ethnicity. Taylor argues that a person's sense of self is not formed in isolation but relies on recognition from others. The failure to have one's identity accurately acknowledged can lead to distortion or damage to an individual's self-perception. This concept contrasts with "diplomatic recognition," which refers to the formal acceptance of a new state or government by other states within the international community.12

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Charles Taylor
Religion and secularity
…of his well-known essays, “The Politics of Recognition” (1992), Taylor tried to provide a deeper philosophical explanation of why groups within Western societies were increasingly making claims for public acknowledgment of their particular identities, be this on the basis of gender, race, or ethnicity.
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…of his well-known essays, “The Politics of Recognition” (1992), Taylor tried to provide a deeper philosophical explanation of why groups within Western societies were increasingly making claims for public acknowledgment of their particular identities, be this on the basis of gender, race, or ethnicity.
Read More