here is, in other words, a form of recognition. As such, it may be positive or negative. Where
the values I appeal to resonate with you, mirroring back to your something consonant with your
own interpretation of the situation, this is a kind of positive recognition.
For example, when I appeal to a strong Kantian by arguing that P will enhance the
rational autonomy of individuals, I convey that I understand that these are the most important
terms to them, this is what matters. By appealing to such reasons, I communicate that I
recognize them as Kantian. More than that, by presenting such reasons in political deliberation I
convey my sense that these are relevant considerations and that autonomy is at issue in P and that
it is entirely appropriate to evaluate P on these terms. Even though I may not endorse these
values myself, I recognize that they matter to interested parties and that they are worthy mutual
consideration here. This is especially true if I am responding to an expression of Kantian beliefs.
When I reply to such arguments in kind, I affirm the identity that he has just expressed, as I shall
discuss in a moment. Significantly, this is the case even if our Kantian disagrees with my
analysis of the way autonomy is at issue here, construing a proper concern for it to require ~P.
Offering reasons that resonate with an individual’s identity can be an important and affirming
moment of recognition, regardless of whether or not one agrees with those reasons.
On the other hand, the reasons I offer may not resonate with or appeal to his Kantian
identity. This may, in some circumstances be innocuous. Autonomy may not be that seriously
implicated in our present discussion. Reference to his Kantian beliefs, we might all agree, is
simply unnecessary. Or, it could be the case that though I do not appeal to their Kantian beliefs,
I do appeal to other, similarly relevant beliefs of his that I believe support P. His Kantianism
may be fused with a strong Lutheran faith, which I appeal to. Or, as we shall see below, I may
appeal to liberal values that I think we all share. Here, I have not recognized his Kantian