ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a Hegelian account of familial love. It shows that such a normative account offers a principled way of satisfactorily resolving current controversies concerning the sphere of intimate life. The chapter argues that this kind of resolution of questions of philosophical ethics depends upon a systemic reading of Hegel’s thought. It demonstrates that Hegel’s system can provide an appropriate conceptual framework within which to reflect upon and resolve basic questions pertaining to the logical structure of the key ethical concepts that define the sphere of intimate life. The chapter argues that contrary to initial appearances, the categorical form of the syllogism as elaborated in the Science of Logic provides the conceptual resources to reformulate a Hegelian account of familial love. Such an account will redeem some of the categories that have been culturally linked to sexism and heteronormativity. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
