In this new monograph, Dr David James explores the theories of property developed by four key philosophers in the German philosophical tradition: Kant, Fichte, Hegel and Marx. While these philosophers advance different theories of the nature of property and the rights that follow from it, all of them acknowledge the importance of social recognition for the question of what specific forms of property should exist in a society that is genuinely committed to the idea of freedom.

The theme of property and ownership is closely linked to many divisive social and political issues of today. In this book, Dr James analyses the nature and meaning of property and arguments for specific forms of property in such a way as to demonstrate their continuing relevance.