Debating the political philosophy of Hegel

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Few philosophers have influenced various fields as profoundly as Hegel. Upon his death in 1831, he dominated German philosophy and impacted religion, art, historical studies, and political thought. Lenin later emphasized that understanding Marx requires a thorough study of Hegel. Over time, connections have been drawn between Hegel and both Nazism and communism, yet many agree that grasping Hegel’s ideas is essential for understanding recent cultural and political history. This volume, first published in 1970, centers on Hegel's political philosophy through ten essays by six authors presenting conflicting interpretations. The discussions address Hegel's philosophy of the state, history, war, nationalism, and liberty. Sidney Hook critiques Hegel as a "small-minded, timid Continental conservative," accusing him of flawed reasoning, while E. F. Carritt offers a "totalitarian" interpretation. In contrast, T. M. Knox and Shlomo Avineri defend Hegel against these criticisms. The book also features contributions from Z. A. Pelczynski and includes Walter Kaufmann's "The Hegel Myth and Its Method," which provides an introduction and footnotes clarifying complex issues and correcting long-standing misconceptions. Kaufmann's analysis significantly enriches the discourse on Hegel's political theories.