THE CONCEPT OF GENOCIDE RECOGNITION Cover Image

LE CONCEPT DE RECONNAISSANCE DU GENOCIDE
THE CONCEPT OF GENOCIDE RECOGNITION

Author(s): Brice Poreau
Subject(s): Political Philosophy, Social Philosophy, Studies in violence and power
Published by: Editura Universitaria Craiova
Keywords: genocide; theory of recognition; Axel Honneth;

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this article is to explain why an extension of the theory of recognition by Axel Honneth is needed in the context of the genocide, and particularly, the genocide occurred in Rwanda in 1994. Then, we will give a new definition of the recognition in this case. The genocide is a singular phenomenon, with paroxysmal violence. That's why the theory of recognition unveiled in the 90's by Honneth has to be extended. The Hegelian philosophical point of view, pointed out by Honneth, seems to be not significant in the context of negation of humanity. During the spring of 1994, in a few months, more than 800000 victims were murdered. Then, a period of reconstruction occurred. Nevertheless, the past is still revealing a present with the scarces of the genocide. The concept of recognition is not sufficient for single relations but recognition is necessary to understand the ability of a collective memory. What is recognition in this terrific context? How to extend the theory, the struggle, initialized by Honneth?

  • Issue Year: 1/2012
  • Issue No: 29
  • Page Range: 148-159
  • Page Count: 12
  • Language: French
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