Section 88
Original German
88 Im Vertrage erwerbe ich ein Eigenthum um der besondern Beschaffenheit der Sache willen, und zugleich nach ihrer innern Allgemeinheit theils nach dem Werthe, theils als aus dem Eigenthum des andern. Durch die Willkühr des andern kann mir ein falscher Schein hierüber vorgebracht werden, so daß es mit dem Vertrage als beyderseitiger freyer Einwilligung des Tausches über diese Sache, nach ihrer unmittelbaren Einzelnheit, seine Richtigkeit hat, aber die Seite des an sich seyenden Allgemeinen darin fehlt. (Das unendliche Urtheil nach seinem positiven Ausdrucke oder identischen Bedeutung. (s. Encyklop. der philosoph. Wissensch. §. 121.))
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.
88 In contract I acquire a property for the sake of the thing's particular character, and at the same time according to its inner universality: in part according to its value, in part as coming from the other's property. Through the other's arbitrary choice, a false semblance of these aspects may be presented to me. The contract as the freely given consent of both parties to exchange this thing, in its immediate individuality, is then in order, but the side of the universal in itself is missing from it. (The infinite judgment in its positive expression or identical meaning. (s. Encyclopedia of the Philosophical Sciences § 121.))
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.
88 In contract I acquire property because of the particular character of the thing. I also acquire it according to its inner universality: partly in terms of its value, partly as coming from the other's property. The other's arbitrary choice can present a false appearance to me in these respects. The contract, as both parties' free consent to exchange this thing in its immediate individuality, is then valid, but the element of the universal existing in itself is missing. This is the infinite judgment in its positive expression or identical meaning (see Encyklop. der philosoph. Wissensch., § 121).
About this section
Section 88 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 90 of 362 in the work, which is kept in the European tradition.
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