Justice and Freedom in Hegel, edited by Paolo Diego Bubbio and Andrew Buchwalter, is an analysis of the relationship between justice and freedom within the practical philosophy of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel. This volume explores the pivotal concept of reciprocal recognition, illuminating how Hegel’s treatment of justice and freedom offers a robust framework for addressing contemporary issues in political philosophy.
At a time when discussions on justice are dominated by various schools of thought—utilitarianism, libertarianism, egalitarianism, and others—this collection repositions Hegel at the center of these debates. Despite Hegel’s significant contributions to the discourse on justice, his ideas have often been marginalized in favor of Kantian constructivism and its derivatives. The editors argue that this neglect overlooks the unique way Hegel combines justice with freedom, positing that one cannot be fully understood without the other.
The volume begins by challenging the conventional interpretations of Hegel’s practical philosophy, emphasizing that his concept of justice is not an isolated ideal but a dynamic aspect of ethical life (Sittlichkeit). Hegel’s notion of freedom is not merely about individual autonomy or the absence of external constraints, it is deeply rooted in social practices and the notion of mutual recognition. Freedom, in Hegel’s view, is actualized through intersubjective relations where individuals recognize each other as free beings. This reciprocal recognition is essential for the realization of both personal and communal freedom.
By reintroducing Hegel’s conception of justice as fundamentally tied to reciprocal recognition and social norms, the book argues for its transformative potential in rethinking justice today. The contributors examine how Hegel’s ideas can enrich current political thought by providing a more comprehensive understanding of justice that bridges the gap between theory and practice. They explore how justice, for Hegel, is not only about the fair distribution of resources or the rectification of wrongs but is also about the realization of freedom within a community through shared institutions and practices.
The essays in this collection engage with three critical dimensions of Hegel’s framework. First, they shed new light on his practical philosophy by analyzing how his integration of freedom and justice overcomes the limitations of theories rooted in atomistic individualism. The contributors discuss how Hegel connects individual autonomy to the establishment of a just society, where freedom is not in opposition to social institutions but is realized through them.
Second, the volume situates Hegel’s theory in the context of other influential theories of justice. By comparing his ideas with those of John Rawls, Jürgen Habermas, Axel Honneth, Rainer Forst, and others, the contributors highlight the distinctiveness of Hegel’s approach. They explore how his socially grounded theory of justice differs from Rawlsian constructivism and Habermas’ discourse ethics, offering an alternative that emphasizes the importance of mutual recognition and ethical life.
Third, the essays apply Hegel’s reconstructed theory of justice to contemporary debates on criminal justice, distributive justice, global justice, environmental justice, and issues related to race, gender, and populism. The contributors demonstrate how Hegel’s ideas can address the social consequences of worldwide inequality, marginalization, and the rise of political populism. They argue that his emphasis on the institutional realization of justice rooted in intersubjective freedom has normative implications that transcend his historical context and can inform current discussions on racial and gender justice.
Throughout the volume, the contributors maintain a critical engagement with Hegel’s philosophy, acknowledging both its strengths and its limitations. They bring diverse perspectives and interpretations, reflecting on the complexities of his ideas and their relevance to modern political thought. The essays collectively argue that Hegel’s conception of justice, grounded in mutual recognition and ethical life, provides a valuable framework for understanding and addressing the challenges of justice in the contemporary world.
For instance, the discussion on Hegel’s notion of social freedom illustrates how freedom is not merely the absence of interference but is constituted through relations with others. Freedom, in this sense, is a status achieved within a community where individuals recognize each other as free and equal participants. This relational aspect of freedom emphasizes that individuals realize their autonomy not in isolation but through social roles and institutions that enable self-realization and mutual respect.
Moreover, the volume addresses critical issues such as environmental justice by examining Hegel’s implicit understanding of nature within his philosophy of right. It explores how his ideas can inform current debates on environmental ethics, suggesting that justice and freedom also require a sustainable relationship with the natural world.
The contributors also engage with Hegel’s treatment of race and gender, critically analyzing his perspectives and exploring how his conceptual framework can be applied to issues of racial and gender justice today. They argue that while Hegel’s own applications of his ideas may be limited or problematic, the underlying principles of mutual recognition and ethical life offer valuable insights for contemporary social critiques and transformative practices.
Justice and Freedom in Hegel presents a comprehensive and innovative reconstruction of Hegel’s theory of justice. It invites readers to reconsider the relevance of his philosophy in addressing the pressing issues of our time. By demonstrating how Hegel’s integration of justice and freedom, grounded in reciprocal recognition and social institutions, provides a robust framework for political thought, the volume makes a significant contribution to both Hegel scholarship and contemporary political philosophy.
The editors, Paolo Diego Bubbio and Andrew Buchwalter, bring together a distinguished group of scholars who offer deep insights into Hegel’s philosophy. Their collective efforts not only revive interest in Hegel’s ideas on justice but also expand the horizons of current discussions, showing how his practical philosophy remains a living dialogue with urgent social and political realities.
This volume is an essential read for scholars and advanced students engaged in research on Hegel’s practical philosophy, nineteenth-century philosophy, and political philosophy. It challenges conventional assumptions, offers fresh interpretations, and demonstrates the enduring significance of Hegel’s thought in understanding and advancing justice and freedom in the modern world.
Simon Gros 
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