Ethics as ethical rebellion: Good as the externalization of particularity in Hegel’s elements of the philosophy of right

pages: 37-60

Abstract

Effectuation of Good in Hegel’s Elements of the Philosophy of Right consists in neither happiness nor welfare but in deliberate and courageous externalization of particular will. Such notion of Good works directly contrary to the “good” as social peace where people are entertained by comfort and therefore maintained in the status of masses. Compensating the lack of one’s freedom by comfort is rather a characteristic of the world of Abstract Right (which Morality is on the path of overcoming). Abstract Right is synonymous with the right of might be­cause in it, righteousness is defined through contractual in(justice). Keywords: joy, particularity, universality, conscience, evil, good