Hegel's Ethical Thought

This important study offers a non-technical exposition of the ethical theory underlying Hegel's philosophy of society, politics, and history.

Allen W. Wood (Author)

9780521377829, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 30 November 1990

316 pages
22.8 x 15.3 x 2.2 cm, 0.44 kg

'This is an excellent treatment of a subject which has never been adequately dealt with in English … His book will be the most important study of Hegelian ethics since Bradley's Ethical Studies.' H. S. Harris, York University

This important new study offers a powerful exposition of the ethical theory underlying Hegel's philosophy of society, politics, and history. Professor Woodshows how Hegel applies his theory to such topics as human rights, the justification of legal punishment, criteria of moral responsibility, and the authority of individual conscience. The book includes a critical discussion of Hegel's treatment of other moral philosophers (especially Kant, Fichte and Fries), provides an account of the controversial concept of 'ethical life', and shows the relation between the theory and Hegel's critical assessment of modern social institutions. The book is nontechnical and should interest anyone concerned with Hegel's ethical and political thought, including philosophers, political scientists, intellectual historians and students of German culture.

Preface
Abbreviations
Introduction
Part I. Hegelian Ethical Theory: 1. Self-actualization
2. Freedom
3. Happiness
Part II. Abstract Right: 4. Recognition
5. Persons, property, law
6. Punishment
Part III. Morality: 7. The concept of morality
8. The moral will
9. The emptiness of the moral law
10. Conscience
Part IV. Ethical Life: 11. Ethical objectivity
12. Ethical subjectivity
13. The limits of ethics
14. Problems of modern ethical life
Conclusion
Notes
Index.

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