Enhancing mutual recognition : in and through narratives as in Never let me go

Abstract

Modernization and its accompanying processes have never lost their momentum to transform our socio-political and economic landscape. Since the second half of the 20th century, the studies on the influences of globalization and late capitalism have been the major areas of studies in humanities and social science. With increasingly inevitable exchanges between our cohabitants, the ways to achieve non-confining and equal coexistence gain their exigency. Hence, this dissertation would look into the concept of mutual recognition and discuss the ways our coexistence can be enhanced.

This dissertation first reviews the previous accounts for our mode of existence. Among the various theories, it advocates the concept of mutual recognition and illustrates the ways the related theories proposed by Axel Honneth and Charles Taylor can explicit and enhance our existence.

Apart from the positive appraisal of their models, it exemplifies the way mutual recognition is interdicted in their arguments by assuming an authoritarian yet unarticulated identity. To revitalize this useful concept, it discusses the way narrative can help articulate our selfhood and serves as an arc for communication as in Never Let Me Go. In brief, Charles Taylor’s discussion on emotions provides the foundation for our active organization of selfhood and Paul Ricoeur’s analysis on the relationship between fiction and reality helps connect the world of fiction to the world of action. Hence, genuine selfhood and respect for others can be achievable in their models.

Finally, among the various narrative practices, it explores the artistic merits of the novel studied, as an exemplary model for this kind of writing to defense us against the hegemonic definition and corrosion for free and equal coexistence.