In this paper, I argue for a reading of Hegel’s practical philosophy that focuses on his thesis of a hierarchy of freedom between the three spheres of right, abstract right, morality, and ethical life. This reading contributes to answering the question of how liberal Hegel’s philosophy of right is. I proceed in five steps. First, I introduce the main concepts of Hegel's philosophy of right and the hierarchy thesis. Second, I analyze the 'higher' right of morality against abstract right. Third, I show that in some respects abstract right is immune to this allegedly 'higher' right of morality. The second and third part help to introduce criteria that may distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate violations of rights. The fourth part deals with the allegedly 'higher' right of the state against all individual rights of abstract right and morality. Finally, I will think about what we can learn from Hegel for contemporary political issues.
