"Love is only between living beings who are equal in power": On what is alive (and what is dead) in Hegel's account of marriage. (10th December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Katz, Gal
• Is Part Of: European journal of philosophy. Volume 28:Number 1(2020)
• Page Start: 93
• Page End: 109
• Publication Date: 2018-12-10
• Subjects: Philosophy -- Periodicals; Philosophy, European -- Periodicals; Philosophy, Modern -- 20th century -- Periodicals; 190
• DOI: 10.1111/ejop.12423
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0966-8373

Abstract

Abstract: The paper develops a conception of marital love as a complex recognitive relation, which I articulate by juxtaposing it against other recognitive relations that figure in Hegel's theory of modern civil society (i.e., respect and esteem). Drawing on Hegel's early writings, I argue that, if love is to provide its unique sort of recognition, it must obtain between "living beings who are equal in power"—a peculiar form of equality that I name (drawing on Stanley Cavell's work) "dynamic equality." I conclude that it is by Hegel's own lights that we should reject his notorious conception of the sexual difference. However, I also offer reasons why, from Hegel's early 19th century perspective, he could consider the following two conditions as compatible: (1) equality within marriage and (2) sexual hierarchy outside marriage, namely, in civil society.