G.W.F Hegel on the Concept of Right: A Reconstructive Adaptation for Contemporary Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examines the nature and character of right in Hegelian Philosophy. It explores the nature of man as both a rational being and moral agent coexisting with other individuals in the civil society. I further attempts a reconstructive adaptation of the notion of Hegelian thought pattern for contemporary Nigerian society. It adopts qualitative research method and employs textual analysis of both primary and secondary texts. It serves as a blueprint or guide for policy making process vis-à-vis human rights protection in the Nigerian body-politic. It concludes that Hegel’s understanding of right has plausibility as an ideological framework. It recommends that Hegel’s notion of right be made a national ideology or national philosophy underpinning human rights in contemporary Nigerian State.