Marcuse criticizes the thesis, propounded by the sociologist Leonard Hobhouse in The Metaphysical Theory of the State (1918), that Hegel provided an ideological preparation for German authoritarianism. In an appendix to the 1960 edition, Marcuse states that the "only major recent development in the interpretation of Hegel's philosophy is the postwar revival of Hegel studies in France."
Marcuse critiques the theory presented by sociologist Leonard Hobhouse in The Metaphysical Theory of the State (1918), which Marcuse believes laid the groundwork for German authoritarianism. In an appendix to the 1960 edition, Marcuse states that the "only major recent development is the postwar revival of Hegel studies in France.