Hegel: Elements of the Philosophy of Right

This book is a translation of a classic work of modern social and political thought. Elements of the Philosophy of Right, Hegel's last major published work, is an attempt to systematize ethical theory, natural right, the philosophy of law, political theory, and the sociology of the modern state into the framework of Hegel's philosophy of history. Hegel's work has been interpreted in radically different ways, influencing many political movements from far right to far left, and is widely perceived as central to the communitarian tradition in modern ethical, social, and political thought. This edition includes extensive editorial material informing the reader of the historical background of Hegel's text, and explaining his allusions to Roman law and other sources, making use of lecture materials which have only recently become available. The new translation is literal, readable, and consistent, and will be informative and scholarly enough to serve the needs of students and specialists alike.

"Altogether...a work of sound scholarship and balanced judgement. It makes Hegel reliably accessible, and about as clear and readable as he can be. In addition, the critical apparatus makes their work into a valuable stepping stone for the study of the other texts and sources with which more advanced students and professional scholars must be concerned." Canadian Philosophical Reviews

Editor's introduction; Chronology; Translator's preface; Key to abbreviations; Elements of the philosophy of right; Editorial notes; Glossary; Select bibliography; Index of subjects; Index of names.