ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the first model of self-consciousness which began with Heidegger and has been extremely influential in analytical, post-analytical and Continental thought over the last 80 years. It examines the philosophical and theological roots of social philosophy as related to concepts of positive recognition. It demonstrates how the features of Hegel's account of intersubjectivity which make it an important case study for this analysis are rooted in a general German Idealist account of metaphysics, and the relationship between metaphysics and ethics. It has been argued even by those fundamentally sympathetic to Hegel's political philosophy, such as Milbank, that forgiveness comes only from God, or at least that a truly secular account of forgiveness is impossible, as reconciliation is only possible through God. For the argument about Christianity as the only possible context for forgiveness to occur to hold weight, one must also consider post-classical non-Christian contexts, particularly monotheistic ones.
