Seite 60 [60]
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sciousness is outside of itself. This has a twofold meaning. First, it has lost itself, for it is to be found as an other essence. Second, it has thereby sublated that other, for it also.” (PoS p. 109.) This fight appears to be for existence and freedom, but they are really fighting for recognition. The issue of the two opposed subjects, Hegel of course writes not a word about this but never mind is that they are mutually alien to each other. Hegel uses the expression “other” (das Andere), and the he sets the concept of the “self” (sich selbst) in opposition to it. It can be easily acknowledged that both are alien from the perspective of the other. The fight, meanwhile, appears to be for existence. But this really is just how it appears. What is at stake is really to achieve freedom through recognition. One and the other both want to be free. Each wants to be recognized by the other. The fight is for this, even at the cost of killing the other or of one’s own death. “And it is solely by staking one’s life that freedom is proven...” (PoS p.111.) The struggle ends when one abandons their freedom in exchange for their life while the other clings to freedom even at the cost of their life. The latter becomes the “master” while the other the “servant” or slave. One is only recognizer, the other is only recognized. The relationship that comes into being as a result of this is two-sided but unequal, which is the cause of the tension. “However, what prevents this from being genuine recognition is the moment where what the master does with regard to the other, he also does with regard to himself, and where what the servant does with regard to himself, he also is supposed to do with regard to the other. As a result, a form of recognition has arisen that is one-sided and unequal.” (PoS p.114, PdG p.112) Once more: the master (I as same) gets freedom and life, while the servant (you as alien) only gets life. One becomes an independent being, while the other becomes dependent, either through íts recognítion or the lack thereof. One becomes dependent because it relies on the other for everything. That is alien to it. The servant gives up their freedom in exchange for their life, as do so many these days: happily, whistling, saying, “Well, never mind, freedom wasn’t
