Abstract

Part one of my dissertation is devoted to defending the interpretive claim that politics, for Kant and Hegel, plays an integral role in our efforts to overcome alienation and to achieve freedom. In part two, I critically evaluate their political visions. My critique, I believe, uncovers a number of "Achilles' heels" which cast serious doubt upon the efficacy of their political theories to ameliorate alienation, and, as a consequence, to obtain the kind of freedom each desires. Given the failure of Kant's and Hegel's political visions, I ask the question whether the political goals they set should be abandoned, or, whether there are possible revisions of their political theories that would enable them to reach their desired ends. ;Ultimately, I reject Hegel's vision of unity and side with Kant, claiming that politics' does have the potential to nurture morality--to raise us above a mere natural standpoint and to foster our quest for self-determination. In part three, I try to identify "untapped" resources in Kant's and Hegel's philosophies that would shore-up Kant's liberal politics and facilitate its "moral calling."