Hegel Beyond Liberalism
The Dialectic of Political and Economic Democracy

An original interpretation of Hegel's political philosophy, which highlights its relevance for contemporary debates about capitalism, democracy and social justice.

Bernardo Ferro (Author)

9781009584746, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 16 October 2025

240 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.4 cm, 0.504 kg

'In recent decades, Hegel's political philosophy has been read in a predominantly liberal way. In offering an interpretation of Hegel that runs against this trend, this book successfully revives the core of his political thought, which focuses on the good life of the collective. The Hegel that emerges through these pages is a sharp critic of capitalism, whose work lays the ground for a conception of democracy that is not confined to politics, but extends into the realm of economic production.' Arash Abazari, Emory University

Hegel's political philosophy has long been associated with some form of social or welfare liberalism. Questioning this interpretation, Bernardo Ferro shows that Hegel's work harbours a more ambitious philosophical project, which points to a different vision of modern society. Ferro claims that Hegel's account of the state should be read not as a complement to his characterization of civil society, but as a direct challenge to its underlying logic. He then draws the political and economic conclusions implicit in this line of approach, arguing that the conscious pursuit of the common good Hegel regards as essential to a rational state is not compatible with either a capitalist production system or a constitutional monarchy: a true dialectical synthesis of the particular interests of individuals and the general interests of society entails nothing less than a comprehensive democratization of the economic and the political spheres, and the need for this transformation holds the key to Hegel's enduring political relevance.

Introduction
Part I. Hegel, Freedom and Liberalism: 1. Hegel and liberalism
2. The dialectic of freedom
3. Hegel's critique of liberalism
Part II. Hegel Beyond Liberalism: 4. The dialectic of personal freedom
5. The dialectic of economic freedom
6. The dialectic of political freedom
Conclusion: Beyond Hegel
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Western philosophy: c 1600 to c 1900 [HPCD]