Political Dilemmas and the Theories of the German Idealists :: Politics Political Science Papers

Does the Solution to our Present Moral and Political Dilemmas Lie in the Theories of the German Idealists?ABSTRACT In the wake of the postmodernist bombing one thing is certain morality is in crisis. Where are we to smack for answers? Perhaps to the German idealiststhat is, to their bold synthesis of right and freedom. This paper seeks to bring the punctual issue of absolute freedom and the possibility of its total realization back into ethical-political discussion. Through a close comparison of the theories of Fichte and Hegel via a critique of the former by the latter, I show that the antidote to many of our political, moral and theological distresses may well be found in Hegels concept of the State and Sittlichkeit-i.e., truly understood as the realization of absolute freedom, or the We that is I. In the wake of the postmodernist onslaught one thing is certain morality is in crisis. Where are we to look for answers? Perhaps to the German idealists.That is, to their bold synthe sis of right and freedom. This paper seeks to bring the timely issue of absolute freedom and the possibility of its total realization in todays world back into the center of ethical-political discussion. Through a close comparison of the theories of Fichte and Hegel via a critique of the former by the latter, I hope to show that the antidote to the bulk of our political, moral and theological distresses may well be found in Hegels concept of the State and Sittlichkeiti.e., truly understood. Namely, as the realization of absolute freedom, or the We that is I.In a recent interview, Derrida was asked the following question We are . . . in a period of highly perfected, nearly consummate nihilism. Everyone is waiting to know where we are going, toward what should we be moving ourselves. Toward what does work such as yours lead?Derrida responded I dont know. . . . I have no message.(1)In the wake of the postmodernist onslaughtor charadeone thing is certain morality is in crisis. Where are we to look for answers? Perhaps to the German idealistsand to their bold synthesis of right and freedom. This paper seeks to bring the timely issue of absolute freedom and the possibility of its total realization in todays world back into the center of ethical-political discussion. Through a critical comparison of the theories of Fichte and Hegel I hope to show that the antidote to the bulk of our political, moral and theological distresses may well be found in Hegels concept of the State and Sittlichkeitas truly understood.