G.W.F. Hegel: Critical Assessments (Critical Assessments of Leading Political Philosophers)

G.W.F. Hegel(1770-1831) , arguably the greatest philosopher of the nineteenth century, decisively influenced the direction of all subsequent European thought. Variously understood as a theist and an atheist, a conservative and a liberal, an essentialist and a proto-existentialist, a rationalist and an irrationalist, the ambiguities of Hegel's position mean that `interpreting Hegel means taking a stand on all the philosophical, political and religious problems of our century'(Merleau-Ponty) . This collection of writings on Hegel reflects the many-sided nature of Hegel's reception from 1831 onwards, and also offers critical studies on the full range of his work. The four volumes incorporate the classic readings of Hegel, from both the continental and analytic traditions, and also include the central twentieth century readings of his work. Each volume is provided with a clear and helpful introduction which sets the articles in their historical context and highlights the central philosophical issues that they raise.