Who among the following thinkers called civil society the ‘aggregate sphere of interest’ ?

Correct option is A

Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (1770–1831), a German philosopher, provided a comprehensive analysis of civil society in his work "Elements of the Philosophy of Right" (1820). Hegel described civil society as the "aggregate sphere of interest" where individuals pursue their private needs and desires within a framework of interdependence and mutual recognition.

Key Aspects of Hegel's View on Civil Society:

Intermediate Sphere: Hegel saw civil society as an intermediate sphere between the family and the state. It is where individuals interact as autonomous agents pursuing their economic and social interests.
Role of Institutions: Hegel emphasized the importance of institutions like corporations, guilds, and voluntary associations in mediating between individual interests and the universal goals of the state.
Contradictions and Resolution: Hegel recognized that civil society could lead to inequalities and conflicts due to the pursuit of self-interest. He believed that the state had a role in resolving these contradictions and ensuring the common good.

Information booster :

(B) John Locke: Locke focused on the social contract and the protection of natural rights (life, liberty, and property). He did not specifically describe civil society as an "aggregate sphere of interest."
(C) Charles Fourier: Fourier was a utopian socialist who critiqued industrial capitalism and proposed alternative communal living arrangements. His ideas were not centered on the concept of civil society as Hegel defined it.
(D) Robert Putnam: Putnam is a contemporary political scientist known for his work on social capital and the decline of civic engagement in modern societies. While he studies civil society, he did not use Hegel's terminology or framework.