Summary
Summary International Political Theory IPC3701 - Georg W Friendrich Hegel ()
- Institution
- University Of South Africa (Unisa)
Summary International Political Theory IPC3701 - Georg W Friendrich Hegel () Essay
[Show more]
Content preview
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”.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through EFT, credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying this summary from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller zanihstrydom. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy this summary for R50,00. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
53022 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy summaries for 14 years now