'Introduction' to Hegel's Political Philosophy: A Systematic Reading of the Philosophy of Right, 2nd Edition

Abstract:     
Hegel’s Philosophy of Right is widely acknowledged as one of the most important works in the history of political philosophy. While most agree that Hegel intended this work to be interpreted as a part of his philosophical system, the genuine interpretive relevance of the system to understanding the Philosophy of Right remains contested. This book defends a new approach to the study of the Philosophy of Right that takes more seriously its systematic structure and reveals new insights into Hegel’s positions on a broad range of topics, including property, punishment, morality, law, monarchy, and law. This new second edition expands this new reading to further topics, such as democracy and history. There is also a new chapter containing replies to previous discussions of the first edition. We may achieve a better understanding of Hegel’s Philosophy of Right if we adopt a systematic reading.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 16

Keywords: Hegel, philosophy of right, Kant, property, punishment, retribution, unified theory of punishment, morality, law, monarchy, history, war, family, democracy, natural law

JEL Classification: K00

working papers series