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 onslaught genius thing is authoritative faith is in crisis. Where are we to look for answers? perhaps to the German idealiststhat is, to their boldface tax write-off of right and immunity. This paper seeks to bring the seasonably issue of positive freedom and the possibility of its total realization substantiate into ethical-political discussion. Through a close comparison of the theories of Fichte and Hegel via a reexamine of the motive by the latter, I repoint that the antidote to many of our political, moral and theological distresses may well be found in Hegels creation of the State and Sittlichkeit-i.e., in truth 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 Ge rman idealists.That is, 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 bottom into the nub 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 hatful 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 dwell where we are going, toward what should we be moving ourselves. Toward what does work such as yours trine?Derrida responded I dont know. . . . I have no message.(1)In the wake of the postmodernist onslaughtor charadeo ne 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.