Single Idea 22797

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 6. Liberalism / d. Liberal freedom]

Full Idea

It is inherent in the principle of the modern state that all of an individual's actions should be mediated by his will.

Gist of Idea

In modern states an individual's actions should be their choice

Source

Georg W.F.Hegel (Elements of the Philosophy of Right [1821], 299 add)

Book Reference

Hegel,Georg W.F.: 'Elements of the Philosophy of Right', ed/tr. Wood,Allen W. [CUP 1991], p.339


A Reaction

This is the liberal side of Hegel's thinking. It is a corrective to his reverential attitude to the state. He criticise Plato for assigning citizens their jobs.