Brooks on Hegel on Kant

Thom Brooks (University of Newcastle upon Tyne (UK) - Newcastle Law School) has posted Hegel's Critique of Kantian Morality on SSRN. Here is the abstract:

Hegel's views on morality have attracted much controversy, especially with regards to his criticisms of Kant's moral theory. Famously, Hegel accused Kantian morality of being overly formalistic and lacking in content. Kant's defenders have argued that Hegel's criticisms fall wide of the mark, while Hegel's admirers, such as F. H. Bradley, claim his criticisms 'annihilated' Kant's theory. Both sides offer a compelling picture and the debate between the two seemingly intractable with neither side willing to concede any ground.

This chapter offers a new position on this old debate. I agree with Kant's defenders that Hegel's criticisms are at best uncharitable. Hegel's views on moral theory are unique to him. This new redefinition is then used as a vantage point to criticize the views of others. We should hardly be surprised to find that other moral theories are found wanting.

Nevertheless, Kant's project centres on the derivation of universal moral principles we should all honour. Hegel's primary criticism is that his understanding of what constitutes such principles cannot perform the work that Kant wants them to achieve. We might then be misled into thinking that Hegel's complete view is that the Kantian project is a complete failure, although this would be a mistake. There is a space in Hegel's theory of the state for universal principles, namely, within the relationship between religion and the state. We can best situate Kant's moral theory in relation with Hegel's larger philosophical vision, despite Hegel's criticisms of Kant's theory.

The chapter will begin with an analysis of Hegel's peculiar understanding of morality and what it can achieve. The following section will examine his uncharitable characterization of Kant's moral theory and why Hegel finds it unsatisfying. This discussion is followed by a revealing look at section 270 and its long remark in the Philosophy of Right where Hegel discusses the relationship between religion and the state. The final section makes clear that Kant's general project as commonly understood can be accommodated in this part of Hegel's views.

Hegel's critique of Kant is, of course, a landmark in the history of moral philosphy.  Brooks paper is highly recommended.