GENDER BIAS IN THE PHILOSOPHY OF G.W.F. HEGEL

Abstract

Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (1770-1831) is one of the most influential philosophers in Western philosophy, having developed a complex philosophical system encompassing various fields, including metaphysics, political philosophy, philosophy of history, and philosophy of right. Within Hegel's philosophical system, the issue of gender is not a central theme, yet it is explicitly addressed. He views gender not only as a biological difference but as an essential factor in social structure and interpersonal relationships. However, Hegel's perspective on gender has sparked much debate and criticism from modern thinkers, particularly feminist scholars. In this paper, based on an examination of Hegel's works, the author focuses on analyzing and interpreting the following main points: (1) “Divine Law” and “Human Law”: gender distinctions in Hegel's Phenomenology of Spirit; (2) gender biases in Hegel's Philosophy of Right; and (3) comments and observations from a feminist perspective