Recognition is at the center of Axel Honneth's influential theory of the social; disagreement forms the basis of Jacques Rancière's equally powerful theory of politics. For Honneth, Rancière's conception of the political is unrealistic and overly focused on equality; according to Rancière, Honneth's theory of recognition operates with false notions of subjectivity and identity. Together, they consider what shape a critical theory of society must take today. A highly productive debate between two opposing representatives of European post-Marxist thought.