HEGEL´s “Unhappy consciousness”

 

HEGEL´s “Unhappy consciousness”

 

In short.

 

Mind is absolute substance, and the concept of Mind is found by the self in self-consciousness. Self-consciousness may be in-itself, for-itself, or for-another. The self-consciousness which is in-itself is an object for itself, or for another. The self-consciousness which is for-itself is independent. The self-consciousness which is for-another is dependent.

Hegel likens the relation between independent and dependent self-consciousness to the relation between Lordship and Bondage, or between Master and Slave. The Master is independent of being determined by an "other." The Slave is dependent on being determined by an "other." The consciousness of the "other" is unessential to independent self-consciousness, but the consciousness of the "other" is a determining factor for dependent self-consciousness.

Self-consciousness has otherness within itself, in that the self is conscious of what is other than itself. But this "other" is unessential to self-consciousness. Self-consciousness is contradictory when it is conscious of both sameness and otherness. This divided mode of consciousness is called by Hegel the "unhappy consciousness." When unity is not present between independent and dependent self-consciousness, the self is in conflict with itself. This "unhappy consciousness" is conscious of itself as being divided and as not being able to reconcile itself with the "other." On the other hand, the undivided consciousness is a dual self-consciousness which brings unity to the self and the "other."