subjective spirit: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Academic / Technical (Philosophy)
Quick answer
What does “subjective spirit” mean?
In Hegelian philosophy, the inner world of consciousness, encompassing the individual mind, self-awareness, reason, will, and personal identity as the first stage of the spirit's development.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In Hegelian philosophy, the inner world of consciousness, encompassing the individual mind, self-awareness, reason, will, and personal identity as the first stage of the spirit's development.
The personal, internal, or psychological aspect of human experience, especially in contrast to objective, shared, or cultural phenomena (Geist). Sometimes used more loosely to denote an individual's internal mindset or personal essence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. Usage is identical in both philosophical traditions.
Connotations
Associated primarily with scholarly discussions of Hegel, Schelling, and related thinkers in both regions.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language; used exclusively in specialized philosophical discourse with equal rarity in both UK and US academia.
Grammar
How to Use “subjective spirit” in a Sentence
[Subjective spirit] + [verb: develops, manifests, precedes, encompasses][The concept/development/phase] + [of] + [subjective spirit][Subjective spirit] + [as] + [noun phrase: the first moment, the inner world]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “subjective spirit” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The spirit subjectivises itself before objectifying in institutions.
- Consciousness must develop before it can be externalised.
American English
- The spirit subjectivizes itself before objectifying in institutions.
- Consciousness must develop before it can be externalized.
adverb
British English
- The will acts subjectively-spiritually at this stage.
- Not used.
American English
- The will acts subjectively-spiritually at this stage.
- Not used.
adjective
British English
- The subjective-spirit phase is foundational.
- Hegelian subjective-spirit analysis.
American English
- The subjective-spirit phase is foundational.
- Hegelian subjective-spirit analysis.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Primary context. Used in philosophy, especially history of philosophy, German idealism, and social theory.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Used as a precise term in philosophical writing and discussion.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “subjective spirit”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “subjective spirit”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “subjective spirit”
- Using it to mean 'biased attitude'.
- Confusing it with 'soul' in a religious sense.
- Using it in non-academic writing.
- Treating 'subjective' and 'spirit' as separate words modifying each other ad hoc.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While related etymologically, 'subjective spirit' is a specific philosophical term for the totality of individual consciousness. A 'subjective opinion' is a common phrase meaning a personal, potentially biased view.
It is highly discouraged unless you are speaking with someone familiar with Hegel's philosophy. It will sound obscure and pretentious in general discourse.
The direct opposite is 'objective spirit', which refers to the external, institutional realm of spirit embodied in law, morality, and social ethics ('Sittlichkeit').
Not primarily. In Hegel, 'Geist' (spirit/mind) is a technical term for a dynamic, self-developing process of consciousness and reality. It is more akin to 'mind' or 'collective consciousness' than a disembodied soul.
In Hegelian philosophy, the inner world of consciousness, encompassing the individual mind, self-awareness, reason, will, and personal identity as the first stage of the spirit's development.
Subjective spirit is usually academic / technical (philosophy) in register.
Subjective spirit: in British English it is pronounced /səbˈdʒɛktɪv ˈspɪrɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /səbˈdʒɛktɪv ˈspɪrɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a technical term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SUBJECTIVE SPIRIT as the SPIRIT inside the SUBJECT (the individual person). It's your personal, internal 'ghost in the machine' before it becomes part of society's 'ghost' (objective spirit).
Conceptual Metaphor
SPIRIT IS A DEVELOPING ENTITY; CONSCIOUSNESS IS A CONTAINER; THE INDIVIDUAL IS A MICROCOSM.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'subjective spirit' primarily used?