Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel
First published Thu Feb 13, 1997; substantive revision Thu Jul 22, 2010
Along with J. G. Fichte and F. W. J. von Schelling, Hegel (1770–1831) belongs to the period of “German idealism” in the decades following Kant. The most systematic of the post-Kantian idealists, Hegel attempted, throughout his published writings as well as in his lectures, to elaborate a comprehensive and systematic ontology from a “logical” starting point. He is perhaps most well-known for his teleological account of history, an account which was later taken over by Marx and “inverted” into a materialist theory of an historical development culminating in communism. For most of the twentieth century, the “logical” side of Hegel's thought had been largely forgotten, but his political and social philosophy continued to find interest and support. However, since the 1970s, a degree of more general philosophical interest in Hegel's systematic thought has also been revived. (Information from Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)
ASSIGNMENT- Due by start of class on April 14th.
Instructions
Read the quote from Pascal at the front of your packet.
Read the quote from Hegel on the Dialectic in Politics.
Watch the first 10-12 minutes of this video.
Read pp. 2-4 found here.
1. Re-write Pascal's quote in your own words. Afterwards, give a 2-3 sentence synopsis of what you think he is trying to accomplish?
2. Summarize how the dialectic works in Politics? What are some main ideas Hegel is raising in this passage concerning freedom?
3. Write a 2 paragraph summary of pp. 2-4 and the video. How is Hegel defining philosophy? What are some of the key terms he is using? How is he different from the other philosophers we have studied?
1. All in all, man is just a spoke on the wheel in the infinitely sustaining universe. A small condition surrounded by the eternal. Man, being just a short experience, can't know his start or his eventual end. Incapable of actually grasping the conditions of the universe, man latches on to his own perceptions of his surroundings. Everything comes from nothing and no one will ever understand it.
ReplyDeleteThe author is trying to establish his approach to the world around him. He tries to communicate with the readers that as a species we will reach our end one day and that the surrounding infinite universe never will. Therefore, we can never get a firm grasp on real knowledge, and we must accept our shortcomings.
2. If the government ceases to serve the people the two natures of the dialectic works make take charge of the Politics. Hegel points out that the two means of the people regaining this power is to take charge themselves in a strong revolt or protest; or a stronger force will take charge of this battle and gain the power.
ReplyDelete1.In nature man see's itself to be at the middle point of what is nothing and what is infinity. Since all things come from nothing and enter into infinity man wants to stay at the middle point as entering either nothing or infinity will leave him in a state of the end that which he enters.
ReplyDeleteIt seems Pascal wishes to bring everyone to the idea of being incomparable in the face of greater things and lesser. This might be a way to make people to stop questioning there position in the world both as an individual or as a whole.
2. Hegel expresses the idea of how dialectic can work in politics. He tells how the government must improve the laws that the people find wrong as a collective groups freedom wishes. If improvement halters the people will try to dash way the law and tension will build between the people and the governing group or the people will be unable to go against the law and accept it but actually not in true freedom way. This second choice will lead to the fall of the country as a whole by another country how are at a higher state of improvement.
1) In nature, man is the center of all, trying to grasp everything but man cannot though because there are infinite things that cannot be grasped by humans. Instead, man perceives what he believes the world is, because he cannot grasp everything else. Also, everything comes from nothing and man wants to still be the core of the world, but man cannot understand his surroundings.
ReplyDelete2) If the government cannot support the people then have two options of what to do. They can either revolt and protest and take direct charge or submit themselves to a higher power which they believe is better than the other. This idea directly applies with the constitution. In regards to freedom, Hegel is saying that people have options if government does not serve them justice and what they deserve. These two options were previously stated.
1. In the whole scheme of things, how important is man? only a small particle in relation to the universe. The pinnacle of creation yet found within nothing. Enable to understand what comes from nothing and what comes from something. The only thing man can do is satisfy their desires, because in the end what really matters? Living a mortal life results in an unknown end.
ReplyDeletePascal's quote is trying to emphasize the significance of nothingness. A examination of how the nothings can exist in the infinite.
2. If the people of a run government attempt to deny truths from a two sided dialectic work, then it will cause things perceived as infinite to become finite or temporary. It can be affective right away or eased in from new ideas of truth. This is a slippery slope between nations and will be subjective.
What Hegel is trying to say is, that the constitution is what creates the freedoms that allows people to examine the infinities. It is a revolution between one's mind and their peace with reality. A government must be treated as a whole, because that's what leads the human mind in civilization.
1. Man is the middle point between all and nothing. Man is the center of all. But not all can be grasped by man for something's are not capable of being grasped by humans. So man perceives of what he believes the world is because of that fault.
ReplyDelete2. What Hegel is saying is that there are options made by the people if the government does not serve them justice and what they deserve. Two options were made of what to do in that circumstance. Hegel expresses how the government must improve the laws that the people find wrong as a collective groups freedom wishes. Two options is that they can either revolt and protest and take direct charge or submit themselves to a higher power which they believe is better than the other.
1. Man is central to nature, man wishes to know all that he possibly can and attempts to learn everything, however due to the infinite amount of things to know, man can not truly understand, and know all. Only one man can ever truly know all, that one man is the creator of all things.
ReplyDeletePascal seems to be attempting to tell that it is impossible for natural human to truly know all. He is telling us that only the creator can know all that we seek to know, no matter how hard we try, it is impossible, so why should we waste out time?
2. The government must work with the people and come to a compromise on laws, therefore there can be community rather than chaos. If this is not perused, one of two things may occur. one possibility is the people may attempt to destroy a law and the authority it holds, or the people will attempt to break from this governing body and find a more reliable and trustworthy power.
Some main idea that Hagel touches on about freedom are the possibilities of breaking free under the law making body and abolishing laws, or even the possibility to break from a law making body all together and just find a new governing body of their choosing.
1.Pascal is trying to accomplish the thought of what role does man play in nature. Humans aren't infinite and they aren't nothing they are in between. Keeping equality with the humans and nature
ReplyDelete1) In nature, man is the center piece of all things. We cannot grasp the idea of what is infinite since we are in the middle of all of this. We try to perceive the middle of things that are infinite.
ReplyDeletePascal may be trying to talk about how humans to serve themselves. We only want to gain knowledge of things in order to help us be more efficient in the material world not like the infinite.
2) He says that the government needs to support the people with laws. Some ideas that Hegel brings up about freedom is that people need it to feel as if they are important.
1) Pascal is trying to show how little humans are in the larger aspect of life and the world. He shows how humans will know something in their lifetime, but to know everything, and the greater things, humans never can, and never will.
ReplyDelete3) Hegel is defining philosophy as being universal within itself, allowing humans to express facts in and of itself. Hegel compares philosophy with anatomy, stating that humans, in regards to anatomy, do not know the objective concrete fact, but are concerned with certain parts. On the other hand, philosophy can be capable of grasping that truth, but it is very difficult to do so. Also Hegel explains how when human minds differentiate constantly between truth and false to be fixed, the more they are willing to do this with different philosophical systems and give more leeway to either side, merely then just explaining one or the other. Some of the key terms that Hegel is using are philosophical systems, knowledge, sciences, result/end/final, lifeless, universe, truth, and the mind.
Hegel is different from Descartes in very obvious ways, being that both have had different systems of developing truths and conclusions. Also, Hegel believes more in two different things with similar aspects combining together to form one greater thing that is more liked. Descartes would disagree with this idea, saying that to find truths, one must be able to explain why it is true and how it is. Hegel, on the other hand, just believes in finding something good for humans and allowing them to do want they want this that.
what they want with that*
Delete3. Hegel categorizes philosophy as a universal type of understanding. Philosophy is a means to see people as people and a way to see past cultural ignorance to better know man. Some key terms Hegel uses are truth and science. Hegel attempts to understand the nature of truth while also seeing how science has changed our way of thinking and philosophy as a whole. Hegel sees a new era of philosophy dawning.
ReplyDeleteHegel differs from most philosophers we've learned about this year because he adopts and trail blazes a very modern approach to his works. He focuses of politics and the struggles cultures face. Yet he also uses examples in the teachings of God. Hegel seeks a balance in his philosophy and remains very level-headed in his works.
1. Nature, something that is nothing, a whole which is compared to nothing, middle between all and nothing, and the end of all is hidden in secrecy that cannot be found. As incapable of seeing nothing he comes from infinity which he was taken in. What else can be done, but make some of the middle things, eternally hopeless of knowing how they will reach their end? Everything comes from nothing and is carried into infinity. Who can make out this astonishing process? The person who made this is the only one who understands them, while no one else can.
ReplyDeletePascal is trying to get people to realize that nature cannot be understood unless you are one with it. He also wants people to understand that if you try to figure it out all of it will engulf you into its infinite knowledge.
2. Dialectic work in politics work to the point that if people can no longer accept implicitly true so they cannot express the truth. It also involves people reaching new levels of higher constitution. Main ideas that are raised are there is more than insight in philosophy, government must recognized time has come for the truth.
3. Philosophy is being defined by Hegel as being universal within itself, allowing us humans to express facts in and of itself. Philosophy can be capable of grasping the truth, but it is very difficult to do so. Hegel explains how when human minds differentiate constantly between truth and false to be fixed and the more they are willing to do this with different philosophical systems and give more leeway to either side. Some key terms Hegel uses is truth, science knowledge and universe.
ReplyDeleteHegel differs from most of the philosophers that we have learned about thus far in the year because he uses a modern approach to his works. He is different than Descartes because Descartes says to find truths one must be able to explain why it is true and how it is rather in Hegel's idea he believes more in two different things with similar aspects combining together to form one greater thing that is more liked. Hegel believes just in finding something good for humans and allowing them to do what they want from that.
1. Man is nothing when compared to nature. Considered to be the middle point of everything, and nothing. However because there being an infinite amount of principles, that cannot be obtained by the mind. The ability to see something from nothing, yet being surrounded by an infinite amount of things. The only thing man can do is perceive what is put in front of them, yet there is no hope in being able to understand everything. All of this because of the outstanding idea that's things come from nothing. - As humans, we can see things and attempt to understand them, but we cannot. With the idea of being from nothing, it is hard to really understand anything.
ReplyDelete2. In the dialectic of politics, the idea is that the government is supposed to work with the people it is governing. However when the government is not doing it jobs, there are a couple ways that the people can express their need for change. In this the people may revolt, and take down the corrupt law. Another option is to escape from the bad government, and find a more likeable one. When it comes to freedom, he sees it as a universal aspect, because everyone must be on an equal level.
1. Man cannot compare to nature. Man cannot come to know the reality of nature because the mind of man is finite. No one but the author of the things can come to understand them because the reality of the thing is unconceivable to the human mind. This quote by Pascal explains that man cannot come to know the reality of things which are infinite. There has to be a knowable beginning and ending in order for man to have a chance of understanding.
ReplyDelete2. When a government's constitution no longer applies thoroughly throughout its people, the people have to choices. Subjects may either have a revolution and reform the constitution or they will accept the tainted constitution and will then be subject to a swift take over from people with a higher constitution. Hegel says that it is the duty of the people to reform their own laws or they will fall to those who have chosen the rational choice of reforming their way of life.
1. Nature is nothing without man. We cannot come close to understanding nature because our minds are infinite. We are the middle point between all and nothing. It is impossible for us to see any equality because we emerge from infinity. I believe that he is trying to show how important our minds are to us. He is also saying that we created nothing in our minds.
ReplyDelete2. People and Government have to work together to come up with laws to prevent total chaos. It is up to the people to create the proper and fair laws. Hegel is saying that we cannot just follow what we are told to do. We must make sure our government is looking out for our best interest not theirs.
3. Hegel defines philosophy as universal within itself. He says that humans use philosophy to explain facts of itself. Although it is difficult, we can use philosophy to understand the truth.Hegel also explains that our minds are very capable in knowing the difference between truth and false.
Hegel is different from the other philosophers that we have studied so far this year because he takes a more modern focus. Hegel uses politics and culture to explain his works, he even uses God. Hegel's main focus is to show that the human mind is capable of many things using philosophy.
nature without man is nothing. The mind of man cannot understand nature because of how infinite they are. we can only hope to attempt to understand nature. I think he is trying to remind us of how important our minds are to us and how the concept of nothingness is man made.
ReplyDeletethe dialectical on politics is explaining the need for a government to be equal to its people , and how when this is not achieved it becomes more than ok for the people to either abandon that government or overthrow it.
for Hegel philosophy is itself universal, how that philosophy can help us uncover the truth, how with the mind philosophy can use facts to explain itself.
Hegel so far is the most modern of any of the philosophers we have studied this year. Hegels main theories revolve around how the human mind is capable of many feats while also using politics and religion to explain these theories.
1. Man in nature is everything however the principles are hidden from man in impenetrable secrecy. Man cannot see anything from where he came and cannot see everything around him. His propose is to perceive some semblance.
ReplyDeletea. Blaise Pascal is trying to show how man is important, that he has control. However man must learn how to see what he is too blind to see.
2. If the government is unable to relate to its people then there two options. They can either revolt in order to bring forth change or submit to the government and its ways. In regards to freedom, Hegel believes that people are able to have options if governments do not serve them in a justice fashion.
3) Hegel conveys philosophy as an universal being, the great spirit, which allows humans to express, experience, and grow in knowledge. Hegel compares philosophy with anatomy; believing that human anatomy is not know objective, but rather in parts. Philosophy is capable of grasping the truth, however the process is hard. Also Hegel explains how the human minds differentiates between truths and falsehoods. The mind is able to do this by the help of different philosophical systems. Then comparing the different sides.
Some of the key terms that Hegel is using were philosophical systems, knowledge, sciences, result/end/final, lifeless, universe, truth, and the mind.
Hegel is different from Descartes because both have different systems for the development of truths and conclusions. The main difference would be, Hegel belief that there are more then two different things with similar aspects. By combining them together it would form one greater thing that is more beneficial. Descartes would disagree with Hegel declaring that one must be able to explain why it is true and how it is. Hegel believes in finding things good for world spirit and ultimately humanity.
1. Humans are not everything, but they are not nothing. Humans are in between. Without man, nature is nothing. They go hand in hand and coexist with each other. However, we are not able to fully understand nature because are minds are not infinite and we cannot know everything. To add to the same point, we cannot see everything that is around us because we have yet to understand everything.
ReplyDelete2. In order to have harmony, people and the government need to have a working relationship. Otherwise, there would just be chaos. However, Hegel says that we do not always need to do what we are told to do and that we must always keep the government in check so that they are looking out for our best interests and not theirs.
3. Philosophy is being defined by Hegel as being universal within itself. It allows us humans to express facts in and of itself. Philosophy can be capable of grasping the truth, however it is very difficult to do so. Hegel explains how when human minds tend to always tell the difference between what is true and what is not true to be fixed and the more they are willing to do this with different philosophical systems and give more leeway to either side. Some key terms Hegel uses are truth, science knowledge and universe.
Hegel differs from most of the philosophers that we have learned about thus far in the year because he uses a modern approach to his works. He is different than Descartes because Descartes says to find truths one must be able to explain why it is true and how it is rather in Hegel's idea he believes more in two different things with similar aspects combining together to form one greater thing that is more liked. Hegel believes just in finding something good for humans and allowing them to do what they want from that.
2. The Government and citizens must co-exist to make laws to preventing the decaying of their society. If the people revolt to change the current situation they are In for their freedom. Hegel's theory is citizens should have a say if governments do not serve them well enough or as efficient as they should be
ReplyDelete3. Philosophy is being defined by Hegel as universal characteristics within itself. Giving us the ability to show rationality in and of ourselves. It is challenging to use philosophy as a tool to understand the truths.Hegel explains our minds are very able of knowing the difference of truth and false. Hegel is uses knowledge, sciences, result/end/final,universe, truth, and the mind.
3. Hegel defines philosophy as a universal thing, that defines itself from any characteristics within it's norm. Humans are what control the direction the universe goes in, from all their subjectivities that occur throughout their life. Another aspect is that the human mind can philosophize in such a wide range of ideas. There are known truths, and known falsehoods within the world, and humans are what verify the truth within everything. Hegel believes humans are capable of defining truth through knowledge, science, and the universe.
ReplyDeleteHegel is different from another philosopher such as Descartes. This is because Descartes main points are in that there is only one objective way towards a truth, and that is achieved by recognition of facts with no interpretation. Hegel is different because he believes there are several ways of coming to a truth, and that it is possible to know them from outside sources, not just within the human mind.
1.) What is man in nature? Man is nothing compared to the infinite, a whole compared to nothing, a midpoint between nothing and all, far off and away from the understanding of the extremes; the principles of things, as well as their end, is beyond impossible for him to attain. He is capable to see both the nothing which he comes from and the infinity which he is engulfed in. What else can he do besides perceive the middle of things since he has no chance of attaining the knowledge of the principle of them? All things coke from nothingness and are taking to infinity. Who can follow these processes? Only the author of these wonders can understand them, and no one else.
ReplyDeletePascal is trying to find out who we are as man, in nature. As well as discovering the nothingness from which we come from and the infinity in which we are going towards.
2.) In politics, the people would be the thesis. Opposing them, therefore the antithesis, is the constitution. The synthesis or combination of the two would be the government. For a government can not exist without people and laws made by the people to enforce the people. So if the synthesis does not reflect the combination of the thesis and the antithesis then it is not a real synthesis.
In the passages Hegel raises the idea that we don't have 'true' freedom, because that wouldn't be a catalyst for a healthy and successful nation/ community. So we are limited by the constitution/law in order for us to remain at peace and thrive. Hegel's true constitution would enable us to be truly free. Although we are limited by the constitution it is subject to be changed by us in order to better our society. The question is posed of who is really free? The man that can do whatever he wants or the person that lives according to a moral code.
1 )Man is a small spec in the giant universe we exist in. Man relies on nature for existence. At the same time, It is hard for man to understanding these extremes because we have not experienced them . All we can do is perceive based off of personal experiences
ReplyDeletePascal is trying to understand the importance of man. He is also trying to explain the importance of our minds, but at the same time, nothing originates in our minds.
2. In the dialectic of politics, people are the basis of thought which makes them the thesis. When government goes against the peoples preferences, this is the antithesis. Government combines these two aspects, Hegel believed that when the government doesn't serve the people in a justice fashion, they have the option to revolt or gather.
3.Hegel describes philosophy as a universal type of understanding. It is in some ways the textbook of human thought.It gives us rationality. It provides a universal sense of direction for thought.It explains human capabilities. These capabilities include how we discover truth. Hegel takes the most modern approach to philosophy when it comes to the human mind and its logistics.
1. What is the necessity of the human being in nature? Humans balance within the spectrum of life where they are not infinite but they are also no nothing. The viewpoint of human beings on life depends on where they are in this spectrum.
ReplyDeleteHumans emerge from nothing and seek to go towards the infinite. What other option does man have but to live within this equilibrium? Man knows nothing about his end but all he can do is wait. The only person who can fully understand life is the person who created life.
2. Hegel is saying that the government should work with and not against its people being governed. The government runs into problems when it does not do this. Hegel thinks that people should have an option in their government and should have a say of what goes on within a government.
3.Hegel defines philosophy based upon truths. Everything that can be proved by logic is real. As other philosophers also do, Hegel seeks to know the truth so that his experience of life can be furthered through his knowledge about human beings and how they work. A Hegelian state of mind would try to find absolute truth in all things as to gain more knowledge about life.
Hegel is different than other philosophers such as the multiple philosophers who did not believe in using the senses to find truth. Hegel shows us that using our minds, we can achieve truth and find reality in our lives. We then can move from the thesis to the antithesis in search of truth.
3. Hegel categorizes philosophy as having the ability to rely on itself to prove what it believes. Hegel believed that there is a bond between history and philosophy in which truth is known to be ever changing throughout history. In this way, Hegel believed that our knowledge is conditioned to our experience. Key terms which Hegel use are idealism and truth. These terms are at the center of Hegel's philosophy.
ReplyDeleteAbsolute idealism states that being is an all-inclusive whole. Truth comes to be by appearances and experience. Hegel is different from other philosophers because he challenges the notion that epistemology is key in modern philosophy. In doing so, he offers the substitute of phenomenology which concentrates on consciousness and the objects of direct experience.
3. In Hegel's philosophy we can see that he focused on the bettering of humans, whether that be through knowledge or not. Hegel also studied how to get to know understand something, it must be based of truths. However, unlike Descartes he is not as strict on what is true, while Descartes would want something to be definite, and proven outright, Hegel relies on proof, but if it also helps further knowledge he considers it a good thing. Hegel, somewhat like Hume relied somewhat on experience as well.
ReplyDeleteSome key words Hegel used were spirit, phenomena, truth, and consciousness. In the terms of our spirit, Hegel says we must be able to realized where our mental state is. When we come to know this level, we are able to work on our consciousness, and can become a better person. Through "simple" ways of thought, we can become better people overall.
3. In Hegel's philosophy we can see that he focused on the bettering of humans, whether that be through knowledge or not. Hegel also studied how to get to know understand something, it must be based of truths. However, unlike Descartes he is not as strict on what is true, while Descartes would want something to be definite, and proven outright, Hegel relies on proof, but if it also helps further knowledge he considers it a good thing. Hegel, somewhat like Hume relied somewhat on experience as well.
ReplyDeleteSome key words Hegel used were spirit, phenomena, truth, and consciousness. In the terms of our spirit, Hegel says we must be able to realized where our mental state is. When we come to know this level, we are able to work on our consciousness, and can become a better person. Through "simple" ways of thought, we can become better people overall.
Through the philosophy of Hegel , it shows how us as human beings can make ourselves better. But we it can depend neither if there is a knowledge base or not. Hegel even broke it down further by understanding knowledge to a fuller and more certain understanding. He takes his truth of understanding knowledge more to a personal certainty, than previous philosophers. With Hegel a good understanding would lead to a good experience which we all are in search for when found certainty. Hegel uses words such as spirit, truth, consciousness, and phenomena. He is unique because he challenged different philosophers philosophy, but uses epistemology as the important subject in modern philosophy.
ReplyDelete1.) What is man when he is in nature? Is he in one extreme? Or is he at the middle point? We are stuck in a spot of not knowing exactly what is. But what can new do? But think what could we do. We come from nothing and work towards infinity. The only one who understands is the author; no one else can.
ReplyDeleteThis quote is about the relationship of man and nature. Pascal wants to bring people to the idea that we cannot know everything, and that we should just live in what reality we are in.
2.) If government fails its people, the people have two options in order to reestablish order. The people can revolt and protest and take order for themselves or they can submit to what they are currently under. This is an idea straight from the US Constitution. Hegel's stance on freedom is that people should have options how to be ruled. The two options given are essential to that.
3.) Hegel deems philosophy as a universal type of understanding. Philosophy, in his eyes, is a way to tear down social barriers and see people as equals. Key terms in Hegel's work are truth and science. In it, Hegel attempts to tackle truth and see the effects of science on our mind. Through this, Hegel writes a new age of philosophy.
Hegel is different than other philosophers because of how systematically different he is. Hegel uses the dialectic process as a means to bring things together and explain them. This is different from philosophers like Descartes because he uses critique and doubt to see which things are true.
1) "Man" is miniscule on the scale of everything in the universe. Man is blind to his origins and the vastness that surrounds him. the middle is his starting point and from there he perceives that all things come from nothing. After he comes to this conclusion he believes that everything will continue forever.
ReplyDeleteTo me it seems that Pascal has a synopsis of how he views life itself. I believe he is trying to accomplish a feat of getting us to recognize and connect with nature. He made the comparison in his opening lines that we are nothing compared to nature which is infinite.
2) I believe Hegel is saying that the government should cooperate with its people in order to create unity. When the government ignores its people it creates an imbalance of chaos. I believe Hegel is saying that the government needs the people and the need the government.
3) Hegel defines philosophy as a subject that is "universal", meaning everyone has their understanding which is generally similar in some ways. Through this way everyone who studies philosophy gains a connection with others and the world itself. Key terms Hegel uses are truth and science. He uses truth as the "thing" he is searching for. Truth is the ending result of how we have come to differentiate things and break them down into parts. Truth in this light is similar to science because it breaks subjects down observes them and then gains factual evidence. Another term that is similar is anatomy.... for example we dissect the make up of the human body, Its muscle tissue and bone infrastructure.
Hegel differs because he uses a modern approach to teaching. Hegel uses culture (religion) and politics as the key subjects in defining society. He wants to show the connection of the human mind when it uses philosophy. By this I mean when the mind uses philosophy it has multitasked to obtain knowledge, using science which involves perception and overall how come to find the truth.