Some Ideological Aspects of the Phenomenon of Individual Freedom in Hegel's Philosophy of Right and the Phenomenology of Spirit

The idea of freedom is often ignited by its absence. In our daily lives, we may encounter restrictions that prevent us from fulfilling our needs or pursuing our goals. Hegel, however, explores a much broader concept of freedom than the individualistic pursuit of self-interest. Hegel's starting point is the individual's clear understanding of his desires. In the pursuit of these desires, the individual inevitably encounters others and enters into relationships with different personalities in order to achieve his goals. This leads to an exploration of the master-slave dialectic in the context of contemporary socio-cultural dynamics and the evolving nature of the concept of freedom. These socio-cultural interactions give rise to distinct professional communities, each concerned with its own survival. To prevent social existence from becoming a struggle for survival, Hegelian philosophy emphasises the cultivation of the mind, the development of morality, and the distinction between what belongs to the individual and what belongs to others or the community. Law serves as a crucial tool for navigating these socio-cultural experiences. In contrast to contemporary interpretations of law as a mere collection of dry statutes, Hegel perceives the various functions of law as mediating mechanisms for shared human values, each of which sheds light on specific aspects of the concept of freedom. This article explores these conceptual connections, drawing on the ideas of Immanuel Kant, Friedrich Nietzsche, the author's own perspectives, and the hermeneutical insights of various Lithuanian thinkers.