Against the “Law of the Father”

Why discuss disobedience in relation to Hegel? The answer lies in how his philosophy, particularly through his interpretation of Antigone, has sparked debates about the tension between individual choice and societal norms, and how feminist thought has challenged Hegelian traditions.
Hegel's recognition of Antigone’s disobedience as a necessary yet tragic act demonstrates his acknowledgement of the individual’s role in shaping history beyond societal laws. However, Hegel didn’t fully explore the conflict between nature (Antigone’s personal choice) and culture (the laws of the community), which was later emphasized by feminist scholars such as Irigaray and de Beauvoir, who argued against patriarchal interpretations of Hegel’s philosophy and promoted a critical re-reading. In doing so, they rejected the rigid universalism of Hegel’s system in favor of an understanding and practice of difference. This volume focuses on how disobedience to Hegel allows for new interpretation.