Law

Hegel (Logic of Essence, developed appearance)

The law is the necessary relation in appearance --- the abiding, essential. It is not behind the phenomena, but their comprehended structure. Example: laws of nature (F=ma) formulate how appearances must behave. Law is the calm content of unquiet appearance. But: law is not rigid, but the expression of manifesting necessity. Hegel's critique of merely empirical laws (Hume): law is objective structure, not subjective habit.

Origin

Greek nomos (law, rule). Laws of nature since Newton. Kant: the understanding gives laws to nature. Hegel: laws are objective structures of reason of reality itself.

In Hegel

Enc. §138-140; SL Vol. 2, Appearance

Cross-references

Appearance · Essence · Necessity · Ground · Logic of Essence