Intersubjective Constitution of Self-Consciousness? On the Dialectics of Lord and Bondsman in Hegel's Phenomenology of Spirit

The Dialectics of Lord and Bondsman, developed in Hegel's Phenomenology of Spirit, is usually considered to deal with the conflict-laden interaction of two different individuals and how it finally transforms in a mutual relationship of recognition. However, this interpretation has been variously challenged by different "heterodox" (McDowell) readings. They suggest that, at least at this stage of the Phenomenology, Hegel does not at all address somehow problematic forms of inter-subjective relationships but only allegorically illustrates contradictory elements of one single self-consciousness or, in other words, of an intra-subjective conflict. 'This paper aims to defend the "orthodox" readings against their critics by showing that they are compatible with the primary text and that the arguments brought up against them are by far not as compelling as they might seem.