Metaphysical Theory of State: A Criticism

by Leonard Trelawney Hobhouse

CONTENTS: The Objects of Social Investigation Freedom and Law The Real Will The Will of the State Varying Applications of the Metaphysical Theory Conclusion Appendix: Hegel's Theory of the Will The Theory of the Absolute Index. Leonard Trelawney Hobhouse, more commonly known as L.T. Hobhouse, was a British sociologist (1864 - 1929) known for his comparative studies of social development. He was one of the leading social theorists of his generation and is noted for his prominence in the fields of liberalism and sociology. In 1907 he became the first Professor of Sociology in a British university. He was pivotal in the establishment and foundation

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1918

About the author

Please note that works by this author have been printed using several variants of his name:

L.T. Hobhouse
L. T. Hobhouse
L T Hobhouse
Leonard T. Hobhouse

Because he is listed in The Encyclopedia of Philosophy, The Routledge Dictionary of Twentieth Century Political Thinkers, and The Fontana Dictionary of Modern Thinkers under the name 'Leonard Trelawney Hobhouse', all of his books have been brought together under that name.

Reviews

[Colm Gillis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a series of lectures that critiques the idealization of the state by British Hegelians like Bosanquet. Since Hegel and his followers are in the crossfire the focus is very much on the relation of the particular to the universal as embodied in citizen & state. A considerable effort is exerted in fleshing out how the individual will converges with the group will. Its an interesting read but is a lot of smoke. Themes are raised consistently without pointing out a possible resolution. Well written but not all that penetrating. A good source for studying ideas of British Hegelianism nonetheless.