POLI_2P92_D3_S1_2022_03_14_Lecture

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2P92

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Political Science

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Oct 30, 2023

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POLI-2P92 LEC 11 Mar 14, 2022 History & Political Philosophy Hegel’s building on R’s & K’s accounts  For R (Russel), original natural condition cannot be revisited (but we can re- establish freedom and equality on a different basis): History has moved us away from it  R & Kant see the investigation of human nature in a new light (not simply what we are, but what we have become and what we can be …)  R’s (new development) and K’s (progress) lead to Hegel and Max George W.F. Hegel (1770 – 1831)  Renowned teacher, student of Aristotle, author of Phil of History, Phil of Right, Phenomenology of Mind / Spirit  While R had emphasized “fatal accidents” in history, Hegel (following Kant) sees reason at work  Apparent contradictions or irrationalities are actually the rational development of “spirit” or “mind”  Struggles between opposing ideas or factions lead to resolutions  Thesis – anti-thesis – synthesis … (i.e., Descartes) 1. Thesis – doubting the reality 2. Anti-thesis: 3. Synthesis: the reality  Human consciousness is being perfected over time  The political state is born of conflict: individuals seeking recognition; struggle with others (Cain & Abel?)  One holds on to life and submits to another whom he recognizes as “master”  This relationship becomes the basis of a dialectic by which pride and fear struggle for recognition (i.e., Hobbes)  The modern state must apply a kind of resolution of this conflict ( equal recognition of citizens, reconciliation of competing interests)  Subject liberty struggles with objective liberty 1. “The union of the particular an the universal in the state is that upon which everything depends.”

 The modern rational state: reconciles the rights of subjective liberty and the duties of collective life  The state must provide a synthesis of “liberation and respect” (ancient polis and modern idea of freedom”  The means of this synthesis: history  The “end” of history ： revelation of our freedom  We can only recognize the purpose of history when a certain point has been reached (Germany in 1806?)  Many elements have played roles: Christianity 1. introduced the “infinite value of the individual”  This became a basis for equality (Nietzsche: equal before God)  Another spiritual revolution (The “Protestant Reformation”) was necessary to identify the individual conscience (basis of freedom)  Christianity makes these rational (not needed to sustain…)  While the “rational state” may seem like an ideal vision, H presents it in realistic terms ( Philosophy of Right)  Struggle lead to progress (but armed revolutions may also prevent progress)  The establishment of the modern rational sate requires three elements: 1. Rational Laws : strong constitution; equality; rights 2. Gov’t power : strong enough to administer and defend the universal and rational principles 3. Sentiments or morals: bases for attachment to the whole  A large civil servant class to oversee & administer o Today = bureaucracy, to deliver gov’t services  This class plays a crucial role: open to all (tests)  Hegel still envisions a kind of liberal economic framework  Does not expect a movement toward a universal world order  Inward unity is essential rather than external cooperation  Why not a continuing struggle toward a universal consciousness across the globe (a la Kant)? 

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