Single Idea 22769

[catalogued under 20. Action / B. Preliminaries of Action / 2. Willed Action / a. Will to Act]

Full Idea

The abstract concept of the Idea of the will is in general the free will which wills the free will.

Gist of Idea

The concept of the will is the free will which wills its freedom

Source

Georg W.F.Hegel (Elements of the Philosophy of Right [1821], 027)

Book Reference

Hegel,Georg W.F.: 'Elements of the Philosophy of Right', ed/tr. Wood,Allen W. [CUP 1991], p.57


A Reaction

Since Hegel thinks we only have free will because we will to have it, it makes sense that that will precedes the free will. But I don't understand how the will which wills that freedom is itself free. No doubt Hegelians understand this.