ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses Hegel's political philosophy. An interpretation of Hegel's political philosophy that attempts to do justice to both the macro and micro levels of Hegel's writings needs to be constructed with the help of analytical tools that will both separate and integrate these dimensions, as required in particular contexts. Students of Hegel are aware of the tremendous value he placed on self-consciousness, on the idea that there is intrinsic value in, and one might say an innate drive toward, human beings coming to full consciousness of the totality of their situations. Many fundamental philosophical distinctions articulated by Hegel, such as those of reason vs. understanding, logic vs. history, or description vs. prescription, are dealt with only insofar as they have direct bearing on Hegel's political theory. The exposition makes no claim or attempt to do full justice to the complexities of these issues.
