New Perspectives on Hegel's Philosophy of Right

This collection of new perspectives on Hegel’s Philosophy of Right breaks down some of the most stubborn barriers between the book and its readers. From its polemical preface to its closing ruminations on the state and world history, Hegel’s seminal text can appear antiquated and conservative to even the most motivated reader. These essays remove those obstacles by demonstrating how radical many of his reflections on politics and ethics remain some 200 years after its publication.

New Perspectives on Hegel’s Philosophy of Right works through Hegel’s ideas in two distinct stages. Its first half explains how a close reading of contested sections can reveal new possibilities for the interpretation of key issues like private property, family, conscience, patriotism and the executive branch – covering important topics from each of the three major sections of Hegel’s text. The book’s second half then considers Hegel’s work in dialogue with contemporary political thought, legal studies, critical theory, economic theory and queer studies.

These essays show the rich interplay of Hegelian concepts and insights with pressing contemporary concerns, proving their continued relevance. Maintaining focus on how Hegel’s work speaks to us today, this book offers readers an invaluable set of launchpoints to explore his lasting contribution to both the new and perennial concerns of philosophy.