In Hegel and Modern Society, Charles Taylor offers an incisive examination of the philosophical underpinnings of Hegel’s thought, specifically focusing on its relevance to contemporary social and political contexts. Taylor’s work seeks to dismantle the prevailing post-World War II perception of Hegel as a proto-fascist apologist, instead presenting him as a thinker who endeavors to harmonize individual rights with the intrinsic value of communal life. This interpretation serves as a critical engagement with the pressing issues of individuality and community in a world increasingly marked by globalization and industrialization. Taylor asserts that Hegel’s vision of a society composed of free individuals, whose social engagements reflect their true selves, remains an aspiration that feels even more remote in our modern context. Through a detailed exploration of Hegel’s philosophy, Taylor reaffirms its significance in navigating the complexities of contemporary society, which is often characterized by alienation and the erosion of traditional communal bonds.
The author’s examination delves deeply into Hegel’s social philosophy, emphasizing its dual aspirations—one rooted in Enlightenment ideals of radical autonomy, and the other in a Romantic longing for unity with nature and society. By synthesizing these aspirations, Taylor argues, Hegel reconstructs our understanding of reason and freedom, ultimately positioning individual identity as fundamentally intertwined with social relationships. This perspective is crucial in countering the view of Hegel as an advocate for totalitarianism, a stereotype that has persisted in Anglophone philosophy and which Taylor critiques vigorously. Instead of viewing the state as a monolithic entity that subordinates individuality, Taylor reveals Hegel’s commitment to a differentiated society where individual rights and communal values coexist. This approach is vital in recognizing the potential for individuals to derive meaning and fulfillment from their social engagements, an idea that is particularly pressing in an age that often prioritizes efficiency and profit over authentic human connection.
Taylor’s arguments gain renewed urgency when considering the advancements of industrial civilization, especially in its neoliberal form, which has profoundly transformed social structures and relationships. He highlights how this transformation has led to an atomization of social life, resulting in alienation among individuals who, while engaged in production, find themselves increasingly disconnected from one another and from the communities that once provided a sense of belonging and purpose. In this light, Hegel’s vision of a society where free individuals engage in social activities that express their identities becomes an essential counterpoint to the prevailing trends of contemporary life, emphasizing the need to restore meaningful connections amidst growing isolation.
Furthermore, the book offers a rich historical context for understanding the evolution of philosophical thought, particularly in relation to Hegel’s contemporaries and the broader Enlightenment movement. Taylor situates Hegel’s work within the tensions between expressivism and the dominant Enlightenment view of man as an isolated rational agent. He traces the emergence of expressivism, rooted in the Sturm und Drang movement, which champions a conception of humanity as an expressive unity rather than merely a collection of self-interested desires. This philosophical lineage leads to a robust critique of utilitarian and atomistic approaches that reduce human beings to mere instruments for achieving individualistic ends.
Taylor’s exploration of Hegel’s thought aims to provide practical insights into contemporary dilemmas surrounding identity, community, and the meaning of freedom. He acknowledges the challenges posed by modernity, especially the risk of reducing human relationships to transactional interactions within an economic framework. In addressing these challenges, Taylor draws on Hegel’s belief in the necessity of recognizing the value of communal bonds and the transformative power of social participation. He advocates for a reimagining of social life that appreciates individuals’ intrinsic connections to their communities, positioning these relationships as essential for personal fulfillment and collective well-being.
In the preface to the new edition, Frederick Neuhouser emphasizes the enduring relevance of Taylor’s insights, noting that the issues he grapples with are not only pertinent to the era in which Hegel wrote but resonate profoundly with contemporary social and political challenges. This continuity underscores the necessity for modern philosophers to engage with Hegel’s work, particularly as societies grapple with the repercussions of neoliberal policies that often prioritize profit over people. Taylor’s project serves as a call for a philosophical return to Hegel, urging readers to reconsider the potential of his ideas to illuminate pathways toward a more just and cohesive society.
Hegel and Modern Society is a vital contribution to both Hegelian scholarship and contemporary philosophical discourse, providing readers with the tools to critically engage with Hegel’s thought in light of current societal dynamics. Taylor’s analysis reveals the rich potential of Hegel’s philosophy to address the questions facing modern individuals and communities, advocating for a synthesis of individuality and community that remains as relevant today as it was in Hegel’s time. This book is not only an exploration of Hegel’s ideas but also a manifesto for re-envisioning the relationship between the individual and society in an increasingly fragmented world, making it an indispensable resource for philosophers, social theorists, and anyone concerned with the state of contemporary life.
Simon Gros 
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