Abstract
This chapter explores Fichte’s account of the structure, functions, and limits of the state in his 1796/1797 Foundations of Natural Right. In the first three sections, I discuss Fichte’s methodology, his theory of the social contract, and his account of the various powers of government. I then turn, in the fourth section, to a critical examination of Fichte’s theory of the institution that is supposed to serve as a bulwark against despotism and to protect individual freedom: the “ephorate.” In the fifth and final section, I discuss Fichte’s account of the police and consider whether it can be defended. I conclude that an adequate defense of Fichte would require a substantial revision to his theory of the state.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | The Palgrave Fichte Handbook |
| Editors | Steven Hoeltzel |
| Place of Publication | Basingstoke |
| Publisher | Palgrave Macmillan |
| Pages | 329-351 |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-3030265106 |
| Publication status | Published - 2019 |