In this book, Filipe Campello works out a Hegelian concept of human nature for the delineation of a Theory of Institutions. He considers the relation between nature and institutions in a twofold manner. A descriptive perspective refers to the role of feelings and affect within social practices. A second, normative perspective investigates the contribution of this revisionist mode of understanding to a Theory of Institutions when it relates to not only sensible, rational-acting subjects, but also to their nature – for instance, their instincts, propensities, and passions. It becomes apparent that Hegel's Ethical Theory expresses not only a historical and immanent social ontology, but also a corollary of his criticism against adulterated forms of socially oriented feelings.
