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Summary International Political Theory IPC3701 - Georg W Friendrich Hegel ()
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Summary International Political Theory IPC3701 - Georg W Friendrich Hegel () Essay
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IntroductionThe German Prussian philosopher, Georg W Friendrich Hegel (1770-
1831), is often described as the greatest philosopher of the modern
state. It is problematic to restrict one’s study of Hegel to purely
international political philosophy. Hegel developed a metaphysical
system so comprehensive that it is unmatched.
- You can also provide some background information (below)
• Metaphysical philosopher: Hegel was concerned with explaining
the fundamental nature of being and the world that encompasses
it. What is the existence of things in their environments and what
happens to them?
• Hegel’s thought process is also called Dialectics (a method of
argument used for debate). Hegel was an idealist who expressed
that our perception of all things is moulded by society.
• You need to understand Hegel’s position on history and his
method in order to understand his views on the state and
international system.
• He saw international relations in terms of social dynamics (how
society/people interact with one another and the relationships they
have).
Hegel’s understanding of people and history
• The human spirit is the consciousness of society.
• Lordship and bondage are the basis of social relations.
• An ethical life is the expression of all age.
• Freedom of the individual is paramount.
• It is important to learn from history.
Hegel’s understanding of the state
, • Only the state can achieve full freedom for the individual (the
highest form of political existence for the individual is the state).
• Therefore the state is morally responsible to bring the individual to
self-consciousness.
• Hegel’s ideas on the state are positive (contrary to other
philosophers).
• The way society progresses are through: 1st the family, 2nd the civil
society, 3rd the state.
1) Family is emotional and therefore clashes with the logical thinking
of the state.
2) Civil society uses logic to promote self-interest.
3) The state is the only entity which promotes a society based on the
common good and unselfish interests, therefore achieving true
self-consciousness.
• This is an expression of the state in domestic affairs.
Hegel’s understanding of the state in international society
• In the context of the international arena, the state represents the
goals of the world.
• In order to do this, the state is no longer a servant of its citizens
(the citizen is viewed as an instrument that may be used for the
greater goals of international relations).
• This is an expression of the state in international affairs.
• The state in the INTERNATIONAL arena is the highest level it can
reach in the world society. This is called WELTGEIST.
• “World spirit”.
• “Highest social and political level of world society”.
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