Section 144
Original German
144 α) Das objective Sittliche das an die Stelle des abstracten Guten tritt, ist die durch die Subjectivität als unendliche Form concrete Substanz. Sie setzt daher Unterschiede in sich, welche hiermit durch den Begriff bestimmt sind, und wodurch das Sittliche einen festen Inhalt hat, der für sich nothwendig und ein über das subjective Meynen und Belieben erhabene, Bestehen ist, die an und für sich seyenden Gesetze und Einrichtungen.
Musean translation
Machine-assisted Musean translation made directly from Hegel's German in the Berlin Nicolai first edition, dated 1821. Complete preface, introduction and sections 1–360, including the author's remarks and notes; no later Gans additions.
144 α) The objective ethical, which takes the place of the abstract good, is the substance made concrete by subjectivity as infinite form. It therefore posits differences within itself, which are thus determined by the concept, and through which the ethical has a firm content, necessary for itself and a subsistence exalted above subjective opining and whim: the laws and institutions existing in and for themselves.
Plain English translation
Independent machine-assisted Plain English translation made directly from the German first-edition source, not from the Musean edition or an existing English translation. Complete preface, introduction and sections 1–360 with the author's remarks and notes.
144 α) The objective ethical, which takes the place of the abstract good, is substance made concrete by subjectivity as infinite form. It therefore posits differences within itself, and these are determined by the concept. Through them the ethical has a firm content. That content is necessary in itself and is an enduring order raised above subjective opinion and liking. It is the laws and institutions that exist in and for themselves.
About this section
Section 144 is part of Elements of the Philosophy of Right by Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel. This page sets the German original beside 2 direct-source translations, so any line can be checked against the source. It is section 146 of 362 in the work, which is kept in the European tradition.
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