Altruism and Recognition in the Philosophy of Friedrich Hegel

Abstract

Abstract: Frederic Hegel centered his philosophy on the problem of recognition. He developed the idea that the individual defines himself in a conflictual relationship with others. For Hegel, self-consciousness can only be achieved through explicit recognition, granted by another consciousness. This recognition is motivated by the human desire to be recognized by others. Thus, the one who is recognized becomes the master, thanks to the slave who recognizes his sovereignty, and the slave becomes a slave thanks to the master who dominates his existence. The slave, linked to nature and the world of objects, seeks to transform himself through work. On the other hand, the master consumes the products of the slave's labor and lives thanks to him. The master-slave dialectic shows a relationship where each party recognizes itself through the other; their true essence is only realized through this mutual recognition. Keywords: self-awareness, others, desire, conflict, work.