| First, I closely examine the whole of Hegel's Elements of Philosophy of Right to uncover the overall meaning and intention of the work. Second, to contrast Hegel with other liberal theorists, namely Locke and Kant, I compare his considerations with theirs on social contract theory; the meaning, significance, and origin of property; the importance and meaning of labor and work; love and the family; morality; negative versus positive right; and the state's obligation to secure rights. Third, I examine whether Hegelianism provides a foundation for the consolidated state favored by modern progressives, or whether Hegel's arguments do, in fact, present a more conservative strain of liberalism more in line with classical liberal thinkers. The Hegelian state, I conclude, represents an alternative, more communitarian strain of liberalism often at odds with Lockean liberalism. While Hegelianism has as its foundation the individual and his freedom, this freedom is not secured merely through negative liberty, but requires the strength and stability of civil institutions. These institutions are ultimately grounded in the state, and they come to fruition through history. Moreover, for Hegel, freedom is not defined as freedom from restraint, but rather the self-conscious ability to act rationally, which includes the obligation to act morally. It is only when rationality is self-consciously chosen through the institutions and structures of his age that the individual is free. The merely bodily protections defended by Locke are not an adequate ground of a coherent understanding of liberty. I therefore end my dissertation by providing a brief explanation of my view of Hegel's highest aspiration. He wishes to defend that society by which a human individual, actualized in his social being by his interactions with his fellows and the state, existing at a particular historical moment, can live morally in concert with the dictates of reason and the spirit of his age. Ultimately, for Hegel, the movement towards greater rationality and freedom comes to its final moment in the modern, liberal state. |
