Hegel's Critique of Liberalism: Rights in Context

by Steven B. Smith

In Hegel's Critique of Liberalism , Steven B. Smith examines Hegel's critique of rights-based liberalism and its relevance to contemporary political concerns. Smith argues that Hegel reformulated classic liberalism, preserving what was of value while rendering it more attentive to the dynamics of human history and the developmental structure of the moral personality. Hegel's goal, Smith suggests, was to find a way of incorporating both the ancient emphasis on the dignity and even architectonic character of political life with the modern concern for freedom, rights, and mutual recognition. Smith's insightful analysis reveals Hegel's relevance not only to contemporary political philosophers concerned with normative issues of liberal theory but also to political scientists who have urged a revival of the state as a central concept of political inquiry.

Genres: Philosophy

266 pages, Paperback

First published June 15, 1989

About the author

Steven B. Smith is the Alfred Cowles Professor of Political Science and Master of Branford College at Yale. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 1981. At Yale he has served as the Director of Graduate Studies in Political Science, Director of the Undergraduate Program in Humanities, and Acting Chair of Judaic Studies. His research has been focused on the history of political philosophy and the role of statecraft in constitutional government. His recent publications include Spinoza, Liberalism, and Jewish Identity, Spinoza's Book of Life, and Reading Leo Strauss.

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book on how Hegel criticized enlightenment thinkers, based on his own jargon-laden and tbqh really romantic philosophy. Lots of gold, but it's still a book on Hegel, which means that you need a dictionary to know the significance of anything he is saying.

This book interests me because of it's philosophical critique of the enligthenment project; Hegel is weaker in providing a positive vision because it's so wrapped up in itself and in history.

[Benjamin Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

difficult read if you’re not familiar with a high amount of philosophers, due to constant references