Abstract

This paper will consider the differing ways that empirical individuality is dealt with in Fichte’s philosophy, focusing especially on the System of Ethics. It will attempt to defend Fichte against some of his critics who suggest that individuality and individual freedom are lost within the more universalist account given in the System of Ethics, by showing how Fichte has different purposes in the doctrine of right and the doctrine of ethics. However, on the other side, it will also caution against seeing Fichte as valuing individual freedom for the sake of individuality itself, in a way at odds with the directives of his ethics.