Hegel

Hegel (1770-1831) is one of the towering philosophers of the nineteenth century. Many of the major philosophical movements of the twentieth century--from existentialism to analytic philosophy -- also grew out of reactions against Hegel. He is also one of the hardest philosophers to understand and his complex ideas, though rewarding, are often misunderstood.
In this magisterial and lucid introduction, Frederick Beiser covers every major aspect of Hegel's thought. He places Hegel in the historical context in nineteenth century Germany while clarifying the deep insights and originality of Hegel's philosophy.

Hegel (1770-1831) is one of the major philosophers of the nineteenth century. Many of the major philosophical movements of the twentieth century - from existentialism to analytic philosophy - grew out of reactions against Hegel. He is also one of the hardest philosophers to understand and his complex ideas, though rewarding, are often misunderstood. In this magisterial and lucid introduction, Frederick Beiser covers every major aspect of Hegel's thought. He places Hegel in the historical context of nineteenth-century Germany whilst clarifying the deep insights and originality of Hegel's philosophy.A masterpiece of clarity and scholarship, Hegel is both the ideal starting point for those coming to Hegel for the first time and essential reading for any student or scholar of nineteenth century philosophy.Additional features: glossary chapter summaries chronology annotated further reading.

Introduction 1. A Question of Relevance 2. A Question of Method 3. Brief Biography Part 1: Early Ideals and Context 1: Cultural Context 2: Early Ideals Part 2: Metaphysics 3: Absolute Idealism 4: The Organic Worldview 5: The Realm of Spirit Life and Spirit 6: The Religious Dimension Part 3: Epistemological Foundations 7: The Dialectic 8: Solipsism and Intersubjectivity Part 4: Social and Political Philosophy 9: Freedom and the Foundation of Right 10: Hegel's Theory of the State Part 5: Philosophy of Culture 11: Philosophy of History 12: Aesthetics Epilogue Further Reading Bibliography

Frederick Beiser is Professor of Philosophy at Syracuse University. He is author of The Fate of Reason: German Philosophy from Kant to Fichte and editor of the Cambridge Companion to Hegel.