Once again: On the relationship between morality and ethical life

Ever since Hegel highlighted the difference between morality and ethical life or ‘Sittlichkeit’, philosophical discourse concerning law in traditions that developed subsequently, up to including Frankfurt School, has oscillated those poles. This paper opens with a short exposition of autonomy as one few large-scale innovations history philosophy proceeds discuss Hegel's concept objections can be raised against it from Kantian point view. Political theory, however, move beyond pure normativism consider actual social relations power, Marx disclosed. Tracing this winding trajectory Kant provides some perspective may illuminating present-day challenges.