SUBMISSION, COERCION, CITIZENSHIP: HEGEL AND HANNAH ARENDT.

Abstract

In search for an “aggiornamento” of Hegelian philosophy, we wonder what could be considered, in a first moment, a converging point between the political philosophy by Hannah Arendt and Hegel’s? The main target in this matter is to demonstrate the impossibility of a totalitarian regime in Hegelian philosophy and, meanwhile, search for an approach to Hannah Arendt’s political categories. Even taking account of the fact that Hannah Arendt never considered herself a philosopher, and quite often asserts an estrangement to Hegelian philosophy, it is remarkable, however, to realize the perception of some points in common related to that author’s political philosophy and questions raised by Hegel on XIX century. In such account, nearly to an essay, this work aims to stand out at least two minor categories in the political philosophy of both thinkers which could be connected. It concerns about the concepts of coercion and submission that seem to establish a limitation of individual will in both authors. Also relative to both authors, such categories are importantly grounded in the fact that they keep a difference that will influence the disposition of spirit upon individuals to the resistance against totalitarian regimes of any kind. KEY WORDS: Coercion. Submission. Will.