“Höffe presents a sophisticated defense of the role of the idea of freedom, assessing it in a number of dimensions: natural, economic-social, artistic and scientific, political, and personal-metaphysical. This enormously helpful book exhibits a masterful, well-organized, up-to-date knowledge of the whole tradition of Western philosophy, as well as a wealth of insights on many kinds of contemporary phenomena. In addition to being an expert on Aristotle and Kant, Höffe offers his expertise in social, legal, and ethical philosophy. This is essential reading for political scientists and social theorists, as well as philosophers.”

- Karl Ameriks, University of Notre Dame,

“Höffe’s comprehensive review of the modern ethical, legal, and political order offers a new emphasis on propositions more often foolishly denied than ignored: Freedom is real, and important; modernity, the fullest realization of freedom achieved by humanity so far, is still very far from reaching its goal, but it is also far from being a total failure; and attempts either to deny the reality and value of freedom or to replace modernity with something else are not only shallow and misconceived but even pernicious and nihilistic. The lessons of this book should be taken to heart by all of us.”

- Allen W. Wood, Indiana University,