Abstract
The concept of recognition holds significant prominence within
contemporary philosophy. The concept typically refers to the condition
of being acknowledged, wherein one subject assumes the role of the
recognizer and another subject serves as the recognized object. However,
what is the nature of the relationship between the subject and the
object? This paper aims to analyze Hegel’s response to the
aforementioned inquiry within his renowned work, Phenomenology of
Spirit. In this context, the emergence of self-consciousness is
contingent upon the presence of another self-consciousness that is
separate and distinct. Self-consciousness is able to attain a state of
self-assurance and an authentic understanding of one’s own identity by
establishing connections with others. The state of self-consciousness
becomes non-existent when it is detached from external influences, as it
is unable to manifest in isolation. The presence of self-consciousness
necessitates the acknowledgment of the other and vice versa. The
recognition in question is not unidirectional, but rather reciprocal in
nature. In this analysis, the allegorical framework of the lordship and
bondage relationship will be employed to argue that Hegel posits the
impossibility of unequal or one-sided recognition in both the lord and
bondsman positions. This will be achieved by examining the significance
of recognition from both perspectives. Mutual recognition is a
prerequisite for the existence of both entities, as neither can sustain
itself in isolation. The sole solution lies in the reciprocal
recognition between two individuals.