Ownership and private property from the perspectives of Hegel and Marx

Desiree Hidalgo

doi:10.29173/agora19895

Abstract

The concept of private property has been widely explored and debated among scholars,since different conceptions of freedom are directly involved. Different notions of freedom have also been analyzed from the perspective of key figures in the history of modern political thought such as those from Hegel and Marx. This essay explores the theme of private property, analyzing how freedom is important for both theorists, but at the same time how their approaches diverge. Through the analysis and examination of their texts this paper argues for the Marxist approach since it provides a solution to the problem of inequality in regards to freedom.

Highlights

Ownership and private property have extensively been discussed in political theory since these topics directly involve our conception of the freedoms of the individual
In the section entitled Abstract Right in Hegel’s Outlines of the Philosophy of Right, he provides an interpretation of modern social institutions and how they bring freedom to citizens
Later I will analyze Marx’s view on private property and how he connects it to the oppression that it causes on laborers by alienating them in different ways

Summary

Introduction

Ownership and private property have extensively been discussed in political theory since these topics directly involve our conception of the freedoms of the individual. Hegel claims that people cannot own persons since others are free agents and to command over them would be contradictory to the right all individuals have.

Results

Conclusion