This article aims to examine Axel Honneth's theory of recognition and Hartmut Rosa's theory of resonance in relation to the problem of democracy. The central thesis we discuss is that both contemporary exponents of Critical Theory outline an understanding of democracy as an ethical experience. From this perspective, we identify the particular place that both approaches assume in the context of contemporary debates between deliberative and agonist perspectives on democracy. Finally, we conclude by suggesting some differences between Honneth's and Rosa's approaches to democracy in their respective attempts to update Critical Theory.