Freedom, critical theory, and personal relations

He outlined how we can achieve this idiosyncratic form of freedom through our institutional relationships with others within three spheres: personal relationships, the market and the democratic public sphere. This thesis develops this project further by offering a more holistic account of social freedom and by homing in on one of Honneth’s three spheres, namely that of personal relationships. <br><br>Unlike much of Frankfurt School critical theory, Honneth’s work has recognised the importance of our most intimate relationships to living a free life.

His account of social freedom shows how our personal relationships (friendships, romantic relationships and the family) can allow for mutual self-realisation through the unconditional acceptance and fulfilment of our emotional needs and desires. Yet whilst Honneth has provided a good starting point for an account of free personal relationships, his work does not do enough to critique existing social relations, does not adequately show how social freedom can be furthered within this sphere. <br><br>This thesis argues that Honneth’s account can be developed in several ways.