Hegel and the modern state: an introduction to heged is political thought

Few thinkers have exercised a greater influence upon the thought of their own and succeeding generations as G.W.F. Hegel. In philosophy, in politics and in historical studies. Hegel's influence has been all-pervasive. And yet, paradoxical as it may seem, the interpretation of Hegel has varied with the prejudices and predilictions of critics. On the one hand, he has been regarded as the father of the concept of organized freedom, the dynamic concept of constitutionalism and nationalism and, on the other, he has been with equal vehemence dubbed. and denounced as a charlaton, as an opportunist and a demagogue who chained political speculation to the needs of the German State as well as the father of modern totalitarianism, fascism and jingoism.
Mr. Mehta tries to steer clear of those controversies and presents the complex political ideas of Hegel in brief but clear. and intelligible form. How was Hegel related to the intellectual background. of his own age ? What were the basic premises of his system on which he constructed a grand edifice of his theory of state? What was the essen tial character and disposition of his political theory? What Influence shaped his philosophy? And, above all, to use Croce's expression, "What is living and what is dend" in his political ideas? This book endeavours to answer these questions keeping in view the problems of the Modern State. It makes a sincere attempt to help the readers to understand Hegel who has been one of the most. misunderstood philosophers in the history of ideas.