Sittlichkeit

Sittlichkeit, a concept from philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, refers to the ethical life rooted in social customs, institutions, and shared practices that shape moral behavior within a community. It goes beyond individual morality, emphasizing the importance of social cohesion, collective responsibility, and the role of family, civil society, and the state in fostering ethical living. In essence, Sittlichkeit embodies the idea that true ethical development occurs through active participation in societal structures that uphold shared values and realize human freedom collectively.