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316

The formal, subjective freedom whereby individuals as such have and express their own judgment, opinion, and counsel concerning universal affairs has its appearance in that aggregate which is called public opinion. In it, the universal in and for itself — the substantial and true — is bound up with its opposite, the self-subsistent idiosyncratic and particular opinion of the many; this existence is therefore the present contradiction of itself — cognition as appearance — essentiality just as immediately as inessentiality.

DE ES

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2 responses to “316”

  1. Eduard Gans (Additions) Avatar
    Eduard Gans (Additions)

    Public opinion is the unorganized way in which what a people wills and thinks makes itself known. What actually asserts itself in the state must, of course, operate in an organic way, and this is the case in the constitution. But at all times public opinion has been a great power, and it is so especially in our time, where the principle of subjective freedom has this importance and significance. What is now to hold good no longer holds good through force, little through custom and habit, but rather through insight and reasons.

  2. Hegel (Simple) Avatar
    Hegel (Simple)

    § 316: Public opinion

    Every individual has his view about universal affairs. He judges, holds opinions and gives advice. What comes together in this way we call public opinion.

    What does it contain?

    Two things, and both at once. The true and essential. And the merely personal, particular side of the many opinions. So public opinion is a contradiction in itself.

    Its power:

    It is the unordered way in which a people shows what it wants and thinks. At all times it was a great power. Today especially. What should count no longer counts through force, and hardly through habit. It counts through insight and reasons.

    Summary: Public opinion is the sum of the views of the many. In it the true and the merely personal mix together. Today it is a great power.

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