ABSTRACT
Social conflicts may arise from a plethora of reasons that encompass political, economic, cultural and religious factors. Social antagonism in modern life, particularly the notion of enabling citizens to take control of their lives and free themselves from the structures which dominate and constrain them, has long become an interesting topic to discuss. Concerning this issue, a system of ethics is needed to empower emancipation rather than to suppress and disrespect diverse cultures. This essay, which aims to promote mutual recognition, draws on a critical interpretation of Indonesian historical epochs to respond to the call for Indonesian political renewal. Using Honneth’s young Hegelian concept of recognition through love, respect, and esteem, a system of ethics can be re-established as a moral grammar for social conflict resolution. As Indonesia’s national ideology, Pancasila (the five principles) upholds the same values as those found in Honneth’s young Hegelian concept of social recognition, such as love for the family, respect for civil society, and solidarity of the nation. Thus, a system of ethics for political renewal can be re-established as a moral grammar for resolving social conflicts.
