Self-Purpose (*Selbstzweck*)

Kant & Hegel

Something that is not merely a means to something else, but an end in itself. In Kant: the human being as end in itself (categorical imperative). In Hegel: life as end in itself.

Origin

Kant: second formula of the categorical imperative --- treat human beings always also as an end, never merely as a means. Hegel: life as the paradigm of self-purpose.

In Hegel

Enz. §204; *Science of Logic*, vol. 2, Teleology

Cross-references

Life · Teleology · Organism · End (Zweck)