The Free Development of Each

Reviews / Votes

Allen Wood's The Free Development of Each demonstrates the great range of his scholarship and his deft philosophical skill in handling some of the most complex and challenging philosophers of the modern age. Wood has developed a specialist academic interest in the philosophies of German idealism and Marxism which is almost unique in the English speaking world ... Wood has sought to bring a distinctively American voice to the exposition and use of the systems of German idealism and Marx: this is to be seen in his stern and telling criticisms of the United States' flawed economic, social and political systems; in his intimate knowledge of the main themes of analytical philosophy (which he transcends but also uses to his advantage); and his desire always to connect up his work with that of fellow North Americans active in his field. * Howard Williams, Critique * Each essay is philosophically rich and brings to the historical texts Wood's characteristic combination of careful reading and philosophical depth. . . . Considered severally, the essays will be required reading for scholars and students of classical German philosophy; considered together, they provide a powerful articulation of the idea of freedom as the central political value. . . . Philosophy . . . can help us to face up to what is at stake in political life. The Free Development of Each will be required reading for those prepared to do so. * Arthur Ripstein, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews *