Published in 1821, Outlines of the Philosophy of Right is considered the definitive articulation of the legal, moral, social, and political philosophy of G.W.F. Hegel. However, shortly before its publication, Hegel delivered a series of lectures on the subject matter of the work at the University of Berlin. These lectures are unlike any others Hegel gave on the philosophy of Right in that they do not supplement a published text but rather give a full and independent presentation of his mature political thought. Yet, they are also unlike Hegel’s formal treatise in that they form a smooth and flowing discourse, much like Hegel’s lectures on the philosophy of history, philosophy of art, philosophy of religion, and history of philosophy. Substantively, these lectures contain more extensive discussions of poverty and the proletariat than are found in Hegel’s published text – discussions that carry out the retreat from optimism about the present age intimated in the preface to Outlines but nowhere evident in the text itself. Translated with an introduction and notes by Alan Brudner, Hegel’s 1819/20 lectures on the philosophy of Right present his complete thoughts on law and the state in a manner that is more accessible and engaging than any other Hegelian text on these subjects.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Part 1. Abstract Right

Section 1. Property

Section 2. Contract

Section 3. Wrong

Part 2. Morality

Section 1. Intention and Responsibility

Section 2. Purpose and Welfare

Section 3. The Good and Conscience

Part 3. Ethical Life

Section 1. The Family

Section 2. Civil Society

Section 3. The State

Appendix 1

Appendix 2

Appendix 3

Appendix 4

Appendix 5

Review

"Brudner has done us all a great service in translating this key set of lectures by Hegel. The translation is fluid and brings out some crucial distinctions for English readers that many other translations of Hegel's works do not. His introduction alone is worth the price of admission both in his explications of Hegel's views and in how it lays out the differences between the 1820 book and the lectures given at the same time."

--Terry Pinkard, Professor of Philosophy, Georgetown University

"This is a much-needed translation of Hegel's most important lectures on political philosophy. In a substantial introduction, Brudner unfolds the historical context and brilliantly makes a case for the continuity of the lectures with Hegel's earlier political thought. This is by far the most readable version of Hegel's mature account of right. This translation will be an indispensable companion to the 'official' version of Hegel's political philosophy that he published soon after he gave these lectures."

--Dean Moyar, Professor of Philosophy, Johns Hopkins University

"Alan Brudner is owed a debt of gratitude. He has produced an excellent translation of these important lectures by Hegel and has also supplied a very helpful introduction to the text. Taken together, the book will help English-speaking readers discover a different side to Hegel's social and political philosophy."

--Robert Stern, Professor of Philosophy, University of Sheffield

About the Author

G.W.F. Hegel (1770-1831) is considered one of the most important philosophers of German idealism as well as a powerful influence on subsequent thinkers.

Alan Brudner is the Albert Abel Professor Emeritus of Law and a professor emeritus of political philosophy at the University of Toronto.