Robert Stern
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199239108
- eISBN:
- 9780191716942
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199239108.003.0004
- Subject:
- Philosophy, General
In the Preface to the Philosophy of Right, Hegel writes that ‘what is rational is actual; and what is actual is rational’. This so-called Doppelsatz has been much discussed, with commentators ...
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In the Preface to the Philosophy of Right, Hegel writes that ‘what is rational is actual; and what is actual is rational’. This so-called Doppelsatz has been much discussed, with commentators offering both conservative and progressive readings of Hegel's meaning. This chapter takes a different approach, arguing that the Doppelsatz should be understood in a normatively neutral way, claiming instead that it is a defense of Hegel's philosophical rationalism, and his belief that the political world is amenable to the sort of rational investigation he offers in the Philosophy of Right.Less
In the Preface to the Philosophy of Right, Hegel writes that ‘what is rational is actual; and what is actual is rational’. This so-called Doppelsatz has been much discussed, with commentators offering both conservative and progressive readings of Hegel's meaning. This chapter takes a different approach, arguing that the Doppelsatz should be understood in a normatively neutral way, claiming instead that it is a defense of Hegel's philosophical rationalism, and his belief that the political world is amenable to the sort of rational investigation he offers in the Philosophy of Right.
Thom Brooks
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748625741
- eISBN:
- 9780748652532
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748625741.003.0002
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Political Philosophy
This chapter presents a very general picture of Hegel's system and its logic. The aim is to provide a view that is acceptable both to commentators who believe that Hegel presents a strong ...
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This chapter presents a very general picture of Hegel's system and its logic. The aim is to provide a view that is acceptable both to commentators who believe that Hegel presents a strong metaphysical account and to those who believe that he does not. The chapter argues that, whichever side we find ourselves on, we can agree upon certain basic features of Hegel's system and the Philosophy of Right's place within it. These features include an understanding of (a) the dialectical structure of Hegel's arguments; and (b) the technical vocabulary Hegel employs in his arguments. The chapter is organized as follows. It offers a general background explanation of Hegel's system and its logic, with the primary aim of making clear the relationship between Hegel's system and his Philosophy of Right. The chapter begins with an analysis of Hegel's logic that underpins his wider system. This is followed by an explanation of how the logic relates to his wider system, and then, by how this system relates to the Philosophy of Right.Less
This chapter presents a very general picture of Hegel's system and its logic. The aim is to provide a view that is acceptable both to commentators who believe that Hegel presents a strong metaphysical account and to those who believe that he does not. The chapter argues that, whichever side we find ourselves on, we can agree upon certain basic features of Hegel's system and the Philosophy of Right's place within it. These features include an understanding of (a) the dialectical structure of Hegel's arguments; and (b) the technical vocabulary Hegel employs in his arguments. The chapter is organized as follows. It offers a general background explanation of Hegel's system and its logic, with the primary aim of making clear the relationship between Hegel's system and his Philosophy of Right. The chapter begins with an analysis of Hegel's logic that underpins his wider system. This is followed by an explanation of how the logic relates to his wider system, and then, by how this system relates to the Philosophy of Right.
Thom Brooks
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748625741
- eISBN:
- 9780748652532
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748625741.003.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Political Philosophy
This introductory chapter begins with a discussion of the reception of G. W. F. Hegel's Elements of the Philosophy of Right. It then provides the systematic reading of Hegel's work, and addresses the ...
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This introductory chapter begins with a discussion of the reception of G. W. F. Hegel's Elements of the Philosophy of Right. It then provides the systematic reading of Hegel's work, and addresses the question of why the non-systematic approach is often a non-metaphysical one. Finally, the chapter sets out the purpose of the book, which is to provide a modest systematic reading of the Philosophy of Right (which we might call a weak systematic reading) that demonstrates the necessity of the systematic account.Less
This introductory chapter begins with a discussion of the reception of G. W. F. Hegel's Elements of the Philosophy of Right. It then provides the systematic reading of Hegel's work, and addresses the question of why the non-systematic approach is often a non-metaphysical one. Finally, the chapter sets out the purpose of the book, which is to provide a modest systematic reading of the Philosophy of Right (which we might call a weak systematic reading) that demonstrates the necessity of the systematic account.
Jeremy Waldron
- Published in print:
- 1990
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198239376
- eISBN:
- 9780191679902
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198239376.003.0010
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Political Philosophy
Hegel's account of property in the Philosophy of Right provides the best example of a sustained argument in favour of private ownership which is GR-based, in the sense given to that term. This ...
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Hegel's account of property in the Philosophy of Right provides the best example of a sustained argument in favour of private ownership which is GR-based, in the sense given to that term. This chapter examines that account in some detail. It offers an interpretation that highlights Hegel's theory of the importance of property for the development of individual freedom. It shows that his argument, if taken seriously, requires not just that there should be an institution of private property in any society or that existing property entitlements should be respected, but, more radically, that property is something which it is important for every individual to have, so that there is a basis for overriding ethical concern if some people are left poor and propertyless.Less
Hegel's account of property in the Philosophy of Right provides the best example of a sustained argument in favour of private ownership which is GR-based, in the sense given to that term. This chapter examines that account in some detail. It offers an interpretation that highlights Hegel's theory of the importance of property for the development of individual freedom. It shows that his argument, if taken seriously, requires not just that there should be an institution of private property in any society or that existing property entitlements should be respected, but, more radically, that property is something which it is important for every individual to have, so that there is a basis for overriding ethical concern if some people are left poor and propertyless.
Jeremy Waldron
- Published in print:
- 1990
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198239376
- eISBN:
- 9780191679902
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198239376.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Political Philosophy
Can the right to private property be claimed as one of the ‘rights of mankind’? This is the central question of this examination of the subject of private property. This book contrasts two types of ...
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Can the right to private property be claimed as one of the ‘rights of mankind’? This is the central question of this examination of the subject of private property. This book contrasts two types of arguments about rights: those based on historical entitlement, and those based on the importance of property to freedom. It provides a detailed discussion of the theories of property found in Locke's Second Treatise and Hegel's Philosophy of Right to illustrate this contrast. The book contains original analyses of the concept of ownership, the ideas of rights, and the relation between property and equality. The book's overriding determination throughout is to follow through the arguments and values used to justify private ownership. It finds that the traditional arguments about property yield some surprisingly radical conclusions.Less
Can the right to private property be claimed as one of the ‘rights of mankind’? This is the central question of this examination of the subject of private property. This book contrasts two types of arguments about rights: those based on historical entitlement, and those based on the importance of property to freedom. It provides a detailed discussion of the theories of property found in Locke's Second Treatise and Hegel's Philosophy of Right to illustrate this contrast. The book contains original analyses of the concept of ownership, the ideas of rights, and the relation between property and equality. The book's overriding determination throughout is to follow through the arguments and values used to justify private ownership. It finds that the traditional arguments about property yield some surprisingly radical conclusions.
Christopher Yeomans
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199794522
- eISBN:
- 9780199919253
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199794522.003.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy
In addition to setting out the problem of free will as a problem generated by our commitment to the explicability of the world or the principle of sufficient reason, this chapter accomplishes two ...
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In addition to setting out the problem of free will as a problem generated by our commitment to the explicability of the world or the principle of sufficient reason, this chapter accomplishes two tasks. First, it explains why extant interpretations of Hegel's theory of agency that do not engage the causal structure of agency or the modern problem of free will necessarily fall short of articulating Hegel's view as a full theory of self-determination. Most importantly, it argues that for Hegel, the problem of expression is fundamentally a problem concerning the balance between self- and other-determination in productive activity, a problem Hegel terms of the problem of reflection. Second, the chapter briefly traces Hegel's basic theory of free will in the Introduction to his Philosophy of Right.Less
In addition to setting out the problem of free will as a problem generated by our commitment to the explicability of the world or the principle of sufficient reason, this chapter accomplishes two tasks. First, it explains why extant interpretations of Hegel's theory of agency that do not engage the causal structure of agency or the modern problem of free will necessarily fall short of articulating Hegel's view as a full theory of self-determination. Most importantly, it argues that for Hegel, the problem of expression is fundamentally a problem concerning the balance between self- and other-determination in productive activity, a problem Hegel terms of the problem of reflection. Second, the chapter briefly traces Hegel's basic theory of free will in the Introduction to his Philosophy of Right.
Alan Patten
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199251568
- eISBN:
- 9780191598180
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199251568.003.0006
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy
Explores and partially defends Hegel's claim that freedom is most fully realized through membership in the modern state. It contrasts Hegel's ‘civic humanist’ understanding of this claim with the ...
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Explores and partially defends Hegel's claim that freedom is most fully realized through membership in the modern state. It contrasts Hegel's ‘civic humanist’ understanding of this claim with the social contract theory's view of the relationship between freedom and the state. The chapter also argues against those commentators (e.g. Isaiah Berlin and Allen Wood) who see something sinister in the Hegelian association of freedom with the state. In developing its interpretation, the chapter considers Hegel's distinction between state and civil society and it offers an overview of the basic structure of Hegel's main work of political philosophy—the Philosophy of Right.Less
Explores and partially defends Hegel's claim that freedom is most fully realized through membership in the modern state. It contrasts Hegel's ‘civic humanist’ understanding of this claim with the social contract theory's view of the relationship between freedom and the state. The chapter also argues against those commentators (e.g. Isaiah Berlin and Allen Wood) who see something sinister in the Hegelian association of freedom with the state. In developing its interpretation, the chapter considers Hegel's distinction between state and civil society and it offers an overview of the basic structure of Hegel's main work of political philosophy—the Philosophy of Right.
Thom Brooks
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748625741
- eISBN:
- 9780748652532
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748625741.003.0010
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Political Philosophy
This chapter presents some concluding thoughts from the author. This book has argued for a systematic reading of Hegel's Philosophy of Right. This reading is both consistent with Hegel's own ...
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This chapter presents some concluding thoughts from the author. This book has argued for a systematic reading of Hegel's Philosophy of Right. This reading is both consistent with Hegel's own self-understanding of his project and offers a more robust interpretation of the Philosophy of Right, providing a clear advance on existing studies of this text. A principal target throughout has been Allen Wood's influential non-systematic reading of the Philosophy of Right in his Hegel's Ethical Thought. Throughout, a philosophical defence of Hegel's positions has been avoided. Instead, the focus has been to make explicit a more robust understanding of Hegel's positions on important topics in his political and legal philosophy.Less
This chapter presents some concluding thoughts from the author. This book has argued for a systematic reading of Hegel's Philosophy of Right. This reading is both consistent with Hegel's own self-understanding of his project and offers a more robust interpretation of the Philosophy of Right, providing a clear advance on existing studies of this text. A principal target throughout has been Allen Wood's influential non-systematic reading of the Philosophy of Right in his Hegel's Ethical Thought. Throughout, a philosophical defence of Hegel's positions has been avoided. Instead, the focus has been to make explicit a more robust understanding of Hegel's positions on important topics in his political and legal philosophy.
Thom Brooks
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748625741
- eISBN:
- 9780748652532
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748625741.003.0003
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Political Philosophy
This chapter begins by explaining how the section ‘Subjective Spirit’ is related to the Philosophy of Right. Central to this explanation is the development of the free will from one section to the ...
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This chapter begins by explaining how the section ‘Subjective Spirit’ is related to the Philosophy of Right. Central to this explanation is the development of the free will from one section to the other. This view helps us make best sense of the primary problem of the Philosophy of Right, namely, how the free will can will freely, and not arbitrarily. The chapter explains why Hegel's views on property ownership in abstract right are primarily illustrative of the initial development of the free will, rather than a complete theory of property, as many have maintained. If this position is correct, then we cannot present a picture of Hegel's theory of property that exclusively considers abstract right, nor can we understand abstract right as a realm of private law. This position is best arrived at after grasping the relation of the abstract right within the Philosophy of Right and Hegel's larger philosophical system.Less
This chapter begins by explaining how the section ‘Subjective Spirit’ is related to the Philosophy of Right. Central to this explanation is the development of the free will from one section to the other. This view helps us make best sense of the primary problem of the Philosophy of Right, namely, how the free will can will freely, and not arbitrarily. The chapter explains why Hegel's views on property ownership in abstract right are primarily illustrative of the initial development of the free will, rather than a complete theory of property, as many have maintained. If this position is correct, then we cannot present a picture of Hegel's theory of property that exclusively considers abstract right, nor can we understand abstract right as a realm of private law. This position is best arrived at after grasping the relation of the abstract right within the Philosophy of Right and Hegel's larger philosophical system.
Thom Brooks
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748625741
- eISBN:
- 9780748652532
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748625741.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Political Philosophy
G. W. F. Hegel's Elements of the Philosophy of Right is widely acknowledged to be one of the most important works in the history of political philosophy. It is broadly agreed that Hegel intended this ...
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G. W. F. Hegel's Elements of the Philosophy of Right is widely acknowledged to be one of the most important works in the history of political philosophy. It is broadly agreed that Hegel intended this work to be interpreted as a significant part of his greater system of speculative philosophy. Where disagreement occurs is on the question of the relevance of Hegel's larger philosophical system to understanding the Philosophy of Right. This is the first book on the subject to take Hegel's system of speculative philosophy seriously as an important component of any robust understanding of the Philosophy of Right. It sets out the difference between ‘systematic’ and ‘non-systematic’ readings of the text before discussing important, relevant features of Hegel's system, in particular, the unique structure of his philosophical arguments. The greater part of the book demonstrates the results of this systematic reading by exploring several areas of Hegel's political philosophy: his theories of property, punishment, morality, law, monarchy, and war. It is shown that by looking beyond the text to Hegel's larger philosophical system, we can achieve an improved understanding of the Philosophy of Right.Less
G. W. F. Hegel's Elements of the Philosophy of Right is widely acknowledged to be one of the most important works in the history of political philosophy. It is broadly agreed that Hegel intended this work to be interpreted as a significant part of his greater system of speculative philosophy. Where disagreement occurs is on the question of the relevance of Hegel's larger philosophical system to understanding the Philosophy of Right. This is the first book on the subject to take Hegel's system of speculative philosophy seriously as an important component of any robust understanding of the Philosophy of Right. It sets out the difference between ‘systematic’ and ‘non-systematic’ readings of the text before discussing important, relevant features of Hegel's system, in particular, the unique structure of his philosophical arguments. The greater part of the book demonstrates the results of this systematic reading by exploring several areas of Hegel's political philosophy: his theories of property, punishment, morality, law, monarchy, and war. It is shown that by looking beyond the text to Hegel's larger philosophical system, we can achieve an improved understanding of the Philosophy of Right.
Thom Brooks
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748625741
- eISBN:
- 9780748652532
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748625741.003.0008
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Political Philosophy
Perhaps one of the most controversial aspects of G. W. F. Hegel's Philosophy of Right for contemporary interpreters is its discussion of the constitutional monarch. This chapter first argues that ...
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Perhaps one of the most controversial aspects of G. W. F. Hegel's Philosophy of Right for contemporary interpreters is its discussion of the constitutional monarch. This chapter first argues that Hegel's justification of the constitutional monarch is established with the use of his logic, and then considers the question of whether or not it matters who serves as the monarch. It examines the domestic and foreign powers of the monarch, and argues against the virtual consensus of recent interpreters that Hegel's monarch is far more powerful than has been previously understood. In part, Hegel's monarch is perhaps even more powerful than Hegel himself may have realised, and certain inconsistencies with some of his claims are demonstrated. The present interpretation is a distinctive break from the virtual consensus on Hegel's monarch, without endorsing the view that Hegel was a totalitarian.Less
Perhaps one of the most controversial aspects of G. W. F. Hegel's Philosophy of Right for contemporary interpreters is its discussion of the constitutional monarch. This chapter first argues that Hegel's justification of the constitutional monarch is established with the use of his logic, and then considers the question of whether or not it matters who serves as the monarch. It examines the domestic and foreign powers of the monarch, and argues against the virtual consensus of recent interpreters that Hegel's monarch is far more powerful than has been previously understood. In part, Hegel's monarch is perhaps even more powerful than Hegel himself may have realised, and certain inconsistencies with some of his claims are demonstrated. The present interpretation is a distinctive break from the virtual consensus on Hegel's monarch, without endorsing the view that Hegel was a totalitarian.
Thom Brooks
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748625741
- eISBN:
- 9780748652532
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748625741.003.0004
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Political Philosophy
Amongst contemporary theorists, the most widespread interpretation of Hegel's theory of punishment is that it is a retributivist theory of annulment, where punishments cancel the performance of ...
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Amongst contemporary theorists, the most widespread interpretation of Hegel's theory of punishment is that it is a retributivist theory of annulment, where punishments cancel the performance of crimes. The theory is retributivist because it holds both that (a) criminals can be punished only if punishment is deserved; and (b) the value of punishment must be proportional to the nature of its corresponding crime, rather than to any consequentialist considerations. This chapter begins with an examination of ‘abstract right’ and the role of punishment in this section of the Philosophy of Right, and then considers how the role of punishment changes later in the Philosophy of Right. It argues that Hegel's later treatment of punishment may endorse different punishments whose function may not always be retributivist, and explores how this view coheres with Hegel's earlier treatment. Thus, the chapter rejects the view both that Hegel's most substantive treatment of punishment is contained in ‘abstract right’ and that his full treatment has only a retributivist function and is not open to additional functions, such as deterrence and rehabilitation.Less
Amongst contemporary theorists, the most widespread interpretation of Hegel's theory of punishment is that it is a retributivist theory of annulment, where punishments cancel the performance of crimes. The theory is retributivist because it holds both that (a) criminals can be punished only if punishment is deserved; and (b) the value of punishment must be proportional to the nature of its corresponding crime, rather than to any consequentialist considerations. This chapter begins with an examination of ‘abstract right’ and the role of punishment in this section of the Philosophy of Right, and then considers how the role of punishment changes later in the Philosophy of Right. It argues that Hegel's later treatment of punishment may endorse different punishments whose function may not always be retributivist, and explores how this view coheres with Hegel's earlier treatment. Thus, the chapter rejects the view both that Hegel's most substantive treatment of punishment is contained in ‘abstract right’ and that his full treatment has only a retributivist function and is not open to additional functions, such as deterrence and rehabilitation.
Thom Brooks
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748625741
- eISBN:
- 9780748652532
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748625741.003.0006
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Political Philosophy
This chapter adopts the following approach to interpreting Hegel's views: When we judge the arguments of the Philosophy of Right we are not speaking of Hegel, the person, as a judge we should avoid ...
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This chapter adopts the following approach to interpreting Hegel's views: When we judge the arguments of the Philosophy of Right we are not speaking of Hegel, the person, as a judge we should avoid on an Equal Rights Tribunal. We are in the business of attending carefully to his arguments. It shares the view with most, if not all, contemporary philosophers that the ideal family is not a heterosexual, monogamous, married couple with children, where the wife's roles are limited to homemaker and mother; there is no such thing as ‘an ideal family’. The chapter attempts to merely set straight Hegel's arguments in favour of the family and the particular form this family takes, arguing that the substance of Hegel's arguments only make sense if we take seriously the rationalist dialectical structure which informs the whole of the Philosophy of Right. The view of the family we find may be familiar, but the author's account is able to best make sense of Hegel's arguments, and provides a more robust understanding of Hegel's views on the family that improves upon and corrects previous accounts.Less
This chapter adopts the following approach to interpreting Hegel's views: When we judge the arguments of the Philosophy of Right we are not speaking of Hegel, the person, as a judge we should avoid on an Equal Rights Tribunal. We are in the business of attending carefully to his arguments. It shares the view with most, if not all, contemporary philosophers that the ideal family is not a heterosexual, monogamous, married couple with children, where the wife's roles are limited to homemaker and mother; there is no such thing as ‘an ideal family’. The chapter attempts to merely set straight Hegel's arguments in favour of the family and the particular form this family takes, arguing that the substance of Hegel's arguments only make sense if we take seriously the rationalist dialectical structure which informs the whole of the Philosophy of Right. The view of the family we find may be familiar, but the author's account is able to best make sense of Hegel's arguments, and provides a more robust understanding of Hegel's views on the family that improves upon and corrects previous accounts.
Richard Halpern
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- September 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780226433653
- eISBN:
- 9780226433790
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226433790.003.0007
- Subject:
- Literature, Drama
Tragic drama is eclipsed by the novel in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries before returning in a form that has itself become partially novelized. Contemporaneous philosophical treatments of ...
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Tragic drama is eclipsed by the novel in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries before returning in a form that has itself become partially novelized. Contemporaneous philosophical treatments of these developments reveal their imbrication with a market economy. This chapter reads Hegel’s treatment of tragedy in his Lectures on Aesthetics against his depiction of civil society in the Philosophy of Right, a work deeply influenced by Hegel’s readings in political economy. Economic thought influences Hegel’s treatment of tragedy, and particularly its metamorphosis into tragicomedy—a highly novelized form. The chapter then turns to Marx’s The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte, a work that employs the categories of tragedy and farce to analyze the revolution of 1848 in France. Marx’s handling of these literary genres evinces a Hegelian influence, and his depiction of class struggle in France likewise reworks Hegel’s treatment of the Pöbel or rabble, the irreducibly tragic remainder of capitalism’s “system of needs” in the Philosophy of Right. Against Marx’s plot of crisply defined dramatic genres and a clear-cut historical dialectic, the “becoming-rabble” of both creates a counterplot in which tragedy cedes to novel, and imminent revolutionary triumph gives way to a seemingly interminable capitalist modernity.Less
Tragic drama is eclipsed by the novel in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries before returning in a form that has itself become partially novelized. Contemporaneous philosophical treatments of these developments reveal their imbrication with a market economy. This chapter reads Hegel’s treatment of tragedy in his Lectures on Aesthetics against his depiction of civil society in the Philosophy of Right, a work deeply influenced by Hegel’s readings in political economy. Economic thought influences Hegel’s treatment of tragedy, and particularly its metamorphosis into tragicomedy—a highly novelized form. The chapter then turns to Marx’s The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte, a work that employs the categories of tragedy and farce to analyze the revolution of 1848 in France. Marx’s handling of these literary genres evinces a Hegelian influence, and his depiction of class struggle in France likewise reworks Hegel’s treatment of the Pöbel or rabble, the irreducibly tragic remainder of capitalism’s “system of needs” in the Philosophy of Right. Against Marx’s plot of crisply defined dramatic genres and a clear-cut historical dialectic, the “becoming-rabble” of both creates a counterplot in which tragedy cedes to novel, and imminent revolutionary triumph gives way to a seemingly interminable capitalist modernity.
Robert Fine and Rolando Vázquez
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199282548
- eISBN:
- 9780191700200
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199282548.003.0014
- Subject:
- Law, Philosophy of Law
This chapter provides an explanation of Hegel's Philosophy of Right, a founding text for the social theory of law. It examines the contrast between Hegel's recognition of subjective freedom as the ...
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This chapter provides an explanation of Hegel's Philosophy of Right, a founding text for the social theory of law. It examines the contrast between Hegel's recognition of subjective freedom as the great accomplishment of modern society and his critique of subjectivism as its foremost pathology. It is proposed that the historical relation between subjective freedom and subjectivism lies at the heart of Hegel's analysis of modern forms of ‘right’. Hegel discovers personality as the determinate social form of the individual in modern capitalist society. His argument is that the absence of distinction between ‘morality’ and ‘ethical life’ — an absence he found in Kant's political philosophy — is a problem in terms of understanding the modern age. Moreover, in his observations on the association between subjective freedom and ethical life, Hegel shows the significance of civil society. Discussion on social theory and the Philosophy of Right is offered as well.Less
This chapter provides an explanation of Hegel's Philosophy of Right, a founding text for the social theory of law. It examines the contrast between Hegel's recognition of subjective freedom as the great accomplishment of modern society and his critique of subjectivism as its foremost pathology. It is proposed that the historical relation between subjective freedom and subjectivism lies at the heart of Hegel's analysis of modern forms of ‘right’. Hegel discovers personality as the determinate social form of the individual in modern capitalist society. His argument is that the absence of distinction between ‘morality’ and ‘ethical life’ — an absence he found in Kant's political philosophy — is a problem in terms of understanding the modern age. Moreover, in his observations on the association between subjective freedom and ethical life, Hegel shows the significance of civil society. Discussion on social theory and the Philosophy of Right is offered as well.
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- June 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780804750301
- eISBN:
- 9780804779418
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Stanford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.11126/stanford/9780804750301.003.0001
- Subject:
- Law, Legal History
This introductory chapter begins with a discussion of Hegel's legal philosophy. It then presents the story of his life, covering his education, the influence of his university friends, his career, ...
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This introductory chapter begins with a discussion of Hegel's legal philosophy. It then presents the story of his life, covering his education, the influence of his university friends, his career, and the impact of the Enlightenment on his work. Next, it explores Hegel's mature legal philosophy by turning to the famous Preface of Philosophy of Right. An overview of the subsequent chapters is also presented.Less
This introductory chapter begins with a discussion of Hegel's legal philosophy. It then presents the story of his life, covering his education, the influence of his university friends, his career, and the impact of the Enlightenment on his work. Next, it explores Hegel's mature legal philosophy by turning to the famous Preface of Philosophy of Right. An overview of the subsequent chapters is also presented.
Robert B. Pippin
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- June 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780198778165
- eISBN:
- 9780191823619
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198778165.003.0004
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy, Political Philosophy
Hegel famously says in the “Preface” to The Philosophy of Right that that outline or Grundriss presupposes “the speculative mode of cognition.” This is to be contrasted with what he calls “the old ...
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Hegel famously says in the “Preface” to The Philosophy of Right that that outline or Grundriss presupposes “the speculative mode of cognition.” This is to be contrasted with what he calls “the old logic” and “the knowledge of the understanding” (Verstandeserkenntnis), a term he also uses to characterize all of metaphysics prior to his own. He makes explicit that he is referring to his book, The Science of Logic, but he does not explain the nature of this dependence anywhere in the book. This chapter attempts to explain the nature of this dependence, and to show that it is indeed crucial to understanding the argument of the work.Less
Hegel famously says in the “Preface” to The Philosophy of Right that that outline or Grundriss presupposes “the speculative mode of cognition.” This is to be contrasted with what he calls “the old logic” and “the knowledge of the understanding” (Verstandeserkenntnis), a term he also uses to characterize all of metaphysics prior to his own. He makes explicit that he is referring to his book, The Science of Logic, but he does not explain the nature of this dependence anywhere in the book. This chapter attempts to explain the nature of this dependence, and to show that it is indeed crucial to understanding the argument of the work.
Alan Patten
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199251568
- eISBN:
- 9780191598180
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199251568.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy
The book offers the first full‐length treatment in English of Hegel's idea of freedom. It explores his theory of what it is for an individual to be free and his account of the social and political ...
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The book offers the first full‐length treatment in English of Hegel's idea of freedom. It explores his theory of what it is for an individual to be free and his account of the social and political contexts in which freedom is developed, realized, and sustained. The book investigates a number of central questions concerning Hegel's ethics and political theory. Is Hegel's outlook unacceptably conservative? Can freedom be equated with rational self‐determination? Is there any special connection between freedom and citizenship? By offering interpretations of Hegel's views on these and other questions, the book develops a novel ‘civic humanist’ reading of Hegel's social philosophy, one that restores to its proper, central place Hegel's idea of freedom. The book is written in a clear and jargon‐free style and will be of interest to anyone concerned with Hegel's ethical, social, and political thought and the sources of contemporary ideas about freedom, community, and the state.Less
The book offers the first full‐length treatment in English of Hegel's idea of freedom. It explores his theory of what it is for an individual to be free and his account of the social and political contexts in which freedom is developed, realized, and sustained. The book investigates a number of central questions concerning Hegel's ethics and political theory. Is Hegel's outlook unacceptably conservative? Can freedom be equated with rational self‐determination? Is there any special connection between freedom and citizenship? By offering interpretations of Hegel's views on these and other questions, the book develops a novel ‘civic humanist’ reading of Hegel's social philosophy, one that restores to its proper, central place Hegel's idea of freedom. The book is written in a clear and jargon‐free style and will be of interest to anyone concerned with Hegel's ethical, social, and political thought and the sources of contemporary ideas about freedom, community, and the state.
Anthony Quinton
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199694556
- eISBN:
- 9780191731938
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199694556.003.0007
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy
This chapter discusses the life and works of Hegel. Hegel was born in 1770 in the city of Stuttgart, capital of Württemberg, a Protestant enclave in generally Catholic southern Germany. He went to ...
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This chapter discusses the life and works of Hegel. Hegel was born in 1770 in the city of Stuttgart, capital of Württemberg, a Protestant enclave in generally Catholic southern Germany. He went to school at the local, classically oriented Gymnasium and not the more socially elevated, almost business school-like Karlsschule, in accordance with his father's intention that he should become a Protestant clergyman. In 1816, at the age of forty-six, Hegel finally secured a chair, at Heidelberg. A year later he brought out the summary of his whole system, his Encyclopedia of the Philosophical Sciences, and in 1818 achieved his ideal job, a chair at the University of Berlin, founded by Alexander von Humboldt in 1809 to be a centre of Bildung and for the spiritual reconstruction of Germany after its catastrophic disruption by Napoleon. Two years later Hegel published his Philosophy of Right, which is probably the most widely read of his works today.Less
This chapter discusses the life and works of Hegel. Hegel was born in 1770 in the city of Stuttgart, capital of Württemberg, a Protestant enclave in generally Catholic southern Germany. He went to school at the local, classically oriented Gymnasium and not the more socially elevated, almost business school-like Karlsschule, in accordance with his father's intention that he should become a Protestant clergyman. In 1816, at the age of forty-six, Hegel finally secured a chair, at Heidelberg. A year later he brought out the summary of his whole system, his Encyclopedia of the Philosophical Sciences, and in 1818 achieved his ideal job, a chair at the University of Berlin, founded by Alexander von Humboldt in 1809 to be a centre of Bildung and for the spiritual reconstruction of Germany after its catastrophic disruption by Napoleon. Two years later Hegel published his Philosophy of Right, which is probably the most widely read of his works today.
Christopher Yeomans
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199794522
- eISBN:
- 9780199919253
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199794522.003.0008
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy
This chapter applies the results of chapter 7 (i.e., the reconstruction of Hegel's theory of modality) to the problem of chapter 6 (i.e., the modal concern that agency requires alternate ...
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This chapter applies the results of chapter 7 (i.e., the reconstruction of Hegel's theory of modality) to the problem of chapter 6 (i.e., the modal concern that agency requires alternate possibilities yet the explicability of the world requires the necessitation of events). Specifically, it argues that Hegel's understanding of the relation between Willkür or the liberty of indifference and Wille or true free will can be understood in terms of the difference between relative and absolute modality, such that the alternate possibilities of the former can be understood to be preserved in the latter in virtue of the self-constituting function of true free will in constituting its own conditions. This is then applied to an interpretation of Hegel's most structurally basic presentation of the free will in the Introduction to the Philosophy of Right.Less
This chapter applies the results of chapter 7 (i.e., the reconstruction of Hegel's theory of modality) to the problem of chapter 6 (i.e., the modal concern that agency requires alternate possibilities yet the explicability of the world requires the necessitation of events). Specifically, it argues that Hegel's understanding of the relation between Willkür or the liberty of indifference and Wille or true free will can be understood in terms of the difference between relative and absolute modality, such that the alternate possibilities of the former can be understood to be preserved in the latter in virtue of the self-constituting function of true free will in constituting its own conditions. This is then applied to an interpretation of Hegel's most structurally basic presentation of the free will in the Introduction to the Philosophy of Right.
