ABSTRACT
Thus the particular problem of the just punishment of criminals disappears from view, to be replaced by a general investigation of the subjective freedom of the moral agent. The investigation is profound and wide-ranging, but we get a clearer view of Hegel’s agenda if we identify, as a central feature of it, his scrutiny of the central claims of the ethics of his near-contemporary Kant1 and those who adopt his ambitions. If Kant (as read by Hegel) is correct, each moral agent expresses her freedom through the employment of her rational will in deliberation about how to behave. As moral subjects, agents have the power to determine (to test or to generate) the principles which ought to govern the conduct of all those persons of good will who are motivated to do their duty.
