The Concept of Property in Kant, Fichte, and Hegel: Freedom, Right, and Recognition

This book explores the role of property in German Idealism, tracing its concept through Kant, Fichte, and Hegel's philosophical systems. It offers a normative theory of property rooted in practical reason, mutual recognition, and social freedom, providing a fresh perspective on contemporary property theory and offering philosophical background to 19th-century debates on private property, inequality, labor, socialism, capitalism, and the state.

Format: Hardback
Length: 274 pages
Publication date: 12 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate relationship between property and German Idealism, shedding light on its pivotal role within the philosophical frameworks of Kant, Fichte, and Hegel. It explores how property intertwines with their conceptions of freedom, right, and recognition, forming the core of their philosophical systems.

The book begins by tracing the historical roots of the concept of property in modern legal philosophy, providing a critical genealogy that sets the stage for the subsequent analysis. It then reconstructs the theories of property in Kant's Doctrine of Right, Fichte's Foundations of Natural Right, and Hegel's Jena Realphilosophie. By engaging with the tradition of German Rechtsphilosophie, which diverges from the more standard libertarian and utilitarian frameworks, the book delves into the metaphysical, normative, political, and material dimensions that make property an intelligible social relation.

Building upon this foundation, the book formulates a normative theory of property rooted in practical reason, mutual recognition, and social freedom. This relational theory of property offers a fresh perspective on contemporary property theory, drawing inspiration from German Idealism. Moreover, it provides valuable philosophical background to the 19th-century debates on private property, inequality, labor, socialism, capitalism, and the state.

The book is of interest to scholars and advanced students engaged in 19th-century German philosophy, social and political philosophy, philosophy of law, political theory, and political economy. Its comprehensive approach and insightful analysis make it a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the complex interplay between property, freedom, and social justice in the German Idealist tradition.

Weight: 689g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032575186