Hegel's Theory of the Modern State (Cambridge Studies in the History and Theory of Politics) [Paperback]

Shlomo Avineri (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Anyone familiar with Avineri's splendid book on Marx will know what to expect here - great lucidity and readability, steady good sense, and a tremendous capacity for a sympathetic interpretation of his subject's intentions.' New Society

'This sober, learned and readable book is a good introduction for English-speaking readers to political writings by Hegel that still remain untranslated, and a lively reassessment of his political philosophy as a whole.' The Times Literary Supplement

Product Description

The first full-length study in English of Hegel's political philosophy. In order to present an overall view of the development of Hegel's political thinking the author has drawn on Hegel's philosophical works, his political tracts and his personal correspondence. Professor Avineri shows that although Hegel is primarily thought of as a philosopher of the state, he was much concerned with social problems and his concept of the state must be understood in this context.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 268 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (February 22, 1974)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521098327
• ISBN-13: 978-0521098328
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #722,164 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dialectic of Freedom, October 30, 2001

By	John C. Landon "nemonemini" (New York City) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This review is from: Hegel's Theory of the Modern State (Cambridge Studies in the History and Theory of Politics) (Paperback)

Charming and robust introduction to the political thinking of Hegel, whose byways in the difficult cultural history of the 1820's requires a sound guide to forestall the many misimpressions possible, and actual, as the Hegel legacy shows. The lowkey acuteness of Hegel's ruminations on the state and civil society are not only classic but key to the understanding of the subsequent Left Hegelian hurricane that swept up Marxism in its path. Hegel is nearly a conservative masthead for some, but this book amply documents the complexity of Hegel's real views that Marx knew well, beginning with his youthful interest in implications of Adam Smith and Stuart, and his pessimistic asssement of the limits of civil society in relation to poverty. This strange constellation of contradictions in Hegel, once uncovered, suggests the reason for the explosive impact of his thought on the generation that followed, for good or ill. Highly useful book, and essential for some cautionary clarification of the anti-Hegelian shibboleths too often cast about.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Hegel's Theory of the Modern State, December 9, 1999

By	Judd Murphy (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Hegel's Theory of the Modern State (Cambridge Studies in the History and Theory of Politics) (Hardcover)

An excellent and fairly concise analysis of Hegelian political thought. For those of us that cannot wade through Hegel's dense writing style, having a guide like Aveneri truly brings Hegel's thought down to earth. While the author sprinkles the text with plenty of quotations, he also does a wonderful job of deciphering what Hegel meant so the reader gets a feel for both Hegel's writing style and meaning.

Aveneri does much to clear up some misconceptions of Hegelian thought and paints a very sympathetic portrait of Hegel the man. Rather than an anti-Semetic German nationalist, Aveneri depicts Hegel as being a very liberal and forward thinking philospher. More importantly, this book gives the reader a feel for Hegel's system and view of progress without getting too bogged down in abstract concepts. It does a particularily good job of outlining Hegel's idea of civil society and how it works in conjunction with the political state and the family unit. The summary of Hegel's thought on the progression of the State from the Greek city-state to 19th Century constitutional monarchies is also exceptionally interesting.

Anyone interested in history and the big ideas underlying the progress of history will probably enjoy this book. It takes a bit of work to read, but in my opinion, it will enrich your understanding of Hegel and his view of the progression of history.