Freedom is the value that Hegel most admired and the central organizing concept of his social philosophy. Alan Patten presents an interpretation of Hegel's idea of freedom, and offers answers to a number of central questions about his ethical and political thought.

1. Introduction: Perspectives on Hegel's Idea of Freedom ; 2. Freedom as Rational Self-Determination ; 3. The Reciprocity Thesis in Kant and Hegel ; 4. Hegel and Social Contract Theory ; 5. Hegel's Justification of Private Property ; 6. A Civic Humanist Idea of Freedom ; Conclusion ; Bibliography ; Index

`Review from previous edition Patten's book is a deliberate, well-written, and welcome addition to Hegel studies. It offers a detailed and persuasive account of Hegel's political thought that is driven rightly by his highest political good - freedom. ... Throughout the book, Patten offers helpful and interesting comparisons of Hegel's thought with Rousseau, Montesquieu, Marx, and especially Kant and Fichte. In addition, Patten maintains an on-going dialogue in the text and the notes with a variety of Hegel scholars on virtually every topic he considers ... Patten's study is well worth reading for students and scholars of Hegel's thought alike. Moreover, those who teach this often difficult thinker should add Patten's book to their list of secondary readings because of its clear and concise treatment of key approaches to, and issues in, Hegel's political thought.' Rupert Gordon, Yale University `It is a tribute to the clarity and the ambition of Patten's book that it enables us to formulate... issues. In these areas and in many others it moves the discussion forward in valuable ways.' Robert M. Wallace, Mind `Offering new insights to recurring contested issues in Hegel studies, Patten at the same time discusses topics - such as freedom, morality, and citizenship - central to contemporary political debates. With philosophical clarity he brings new, coherent, and convincingly argued interpretations to the fore.' Peter Stillman, Vassar College