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25

With regard to the will, the subjective denotes, in general, the side of its self-consciousness, of its singularity (§ 7), as distinguished from its concept as it is in itself; hence its subjectivity means α) the pure form – the absolute unity of self-consciousness with itself, in which, as I = I, it is simply and solely inward, an abstract resting upon itself – the pure certainty of itself, as distinguished from truth; β) the particularity of the will, as arbitrariness and the contingent content of ends chosen at random; γ) in general, the one-sided form (§ 8), inasmuch as what is willed, whatever its content may be, is at first only a content belonging to self-consciousness and an unexecuted end.

DE ES

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2 responses to “25”

  1. Hegel (Notes) Avatar
    Hegel (Notes)

    [zu § 25] Because subjectivity — totality in itself — all moments of it are called subjective — as with freedom, see above. – Subjective — individual self-consciousness — and universal concept — unity — I and rational will.
    α) is in itself identical with the absolute objective will — for without my subjective particularity: personality of God — absolute ideality — insight into morality, conviction, subjective freedom — criminal convicted — being present there with his own understanding
    β) Subjective opposition of particularity — limitedness — abstract form of what is mine — merely subjective — particular interest, opinion —
    γ) Opposition of subjectivity to external objectivity — thus also the concept “child” undeveloped — not its objectivity in itself.

  2. Hegel (Simple) Avatar
    Hegel (Simple)

    § 25: What “subjective” means

    From now on, two words will be with us all the time: subjective and objective. Both have several meanings. So we look at them closely. First, “subjective”.

    In the will, the subjective is what belongs to my I, as distinct from the will’s core. This can mean three things.

    First: the pure I. I know that I am I. This certainty is wholly inward and has no content yet. It is certain, but not yet true. It is like a house that still stands empty.

    Second: the particular. I want just this, because I like it. This is arbitrariness with its accidental purposes. Here “subjective” is a reproach. People say: “But that is purely subjective!” We also say it about a bad work of art. Such a work shows only the whim of its maker.

    Third: what nobody has done yet. I have a plan, but so far it is only in my head. It belongs only to me as long as I do not carry it out. This holds for the best plan too.

    So the word has a high sense and a low sense. The low sense is what is merely self-willed. The high sense is a right of human beings. If something is to count for me, I must be able to make it my own. I want to see for myself what I ought to recognize.

    Summary: Subjective means the pure I, the whim of the individual, or the plan not yet carried out. Each time, we must look closely at which meaning applies.

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