Abstract

Hegel subscribes to the view that the justification of private property is in some way grounded in the value of individual freedom. The chapter reconstructs Hegel's understanding of, and reasons for holding, this view and partially defends Hegel's position. The interpretation builds critically on a reading of Hegel's view of property developed by Jeremy Waldron. It stresses Fichte's theory of property as essential background to an understanding of Hegel's, and it also emphasizes the role played by recognition in Hegel's view of property.