ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the Hegel's thought in relation to contemporary philosophical discussions of procreation and the family. It discusses Hegel's account of love and marriage, showing that the interest to procreate is an ethically substantial interest to create an object of love rather than an interest in child-rearing as a way to form a special relationship. Contemporary philosophical discussions of procreation and the family rarely mention Hegel or Hegelian thought. Hegel's account of the family is that it is an ethically substantial unity rather than a personal project for the satisfaction of its members' needs or desires. Family units are made up of future societal and political participants whom will become autonomous, law-abiding, politically involved members of society. Hegel claims, marriage generates an ethical duty. Marriage marks the end of individual existence because reconciliation with an other takes place.
