The objectivity of law and justice: Figures of the Third (Hegel, Kojève, Lévinas)

This paper addresses the figure of the Third through the philosophies of Hegel, Kojève, and Lévinas. Their conceptions differ significantly, for instance, concerning the role of the state or the relationship between morality and law. However, they share the view that the figure of the Third represents the fundamental principle and point of departure for the genesis and constitution of law and justice. Within this framework, key aspects of the philosophy of law, such as neutrality and disinterestedness, will be examined. Accordingly, the figure of the Third enables a reconsideration of the philosophy of law.