Hegel's Social Ethics

"In this elegant meditation on the ethics of reciprocal recognition, Molly Farneth journeys with Hegel into the enduring heart of democracy in the making. While respecting Hegel's distinction between representational thinking and fully liberated dialectic, which is roughly the distinction between religion and philosophy, she finds matter there, not for yet another domineering form of pseudorationality, but a self-emptying reason, where we have room to enter into one another's keeping and become reconciled. In these precarious times for democracy, Farneth's generously reasoned grassroots religiosity is especially welcome."--James Wetzel, Villanova University"Molly Farneth has brought Hegel to the people. Her excellent book presents a fresh interpretation of one of the most important works in the history of philosophy, overcomes impasses in political theory and religious studies, makes a major contribution to the study of democracy, and initiates readers into the dialogic relationship that is the key to Hegel's social ethics. This book will command wide audiences in the humanities and social sciences for a long time."--Ian Ward, McMaster University"This impressive book makes a timely contribution to the debate about Hegel's view of religion. It promises to broaden his readership by freeing his philosophy from misconceptions and giving it a contemporary relevance."--Paul Redding, University of Sydney