Hegel's Philosophy of Right: Subjectivity and Ethical Life

Description

In this important new book, David James offers an innovative interpretation of a key element of Hegel's political thought. James seeks to identify the basic aims of Hegel's philosophy of right through an analysis of his approach to subjectivity. He argues that the basic aim of Hegel's philosophy of right is to accommodate subjectivity within a framework of universally valid ethical norms and that an analysis of how Hegel attempts to do this provides a key to understanding his philosophy of right. This in turn makes possible a highly unified interpretation of the project that determines the shape and structure of his theory of modern ethical life. The ways in which Hegel uses the term subjectivity have never before been analysed in sufficient detail. James shows that Hegel's understanding of this term depends very much on the context in which he is using it and by analysing this carefully shows that this concept is essentially related to his theory of freedom. This fascinating book offers a unified interpretation of Hegel's philosophy of right and will make an important contribution to the study of Hegel's political thought.

David James is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of Warwick, UK.

Reviewed in Political Studies Review by Chad Kautzer, University of Colorado, USA. "...raises interpretive questions at both the core and the periphery of Hegel's system, and it is also a focus for strong critical engagement with Hegel's political philosophy...James advances our understanding of these issues...really valuable as a route to better understanding Hegel's intricate but cursory discussion...worthwhile purchase for a university library." History of Political Thought, 2009 -- Dudley Knowles