Introduction to the Philosophy of History — G.W.F. Hegel
Gurinder Purewal
Introduction
In this text, Hegel (1988) analyzes the relationship between Reason and the world as we discuss original questions about the ultimate purpose and realization of both. World history manifests itself in the form of Spirit and provides for an environment that can investigate these questions. The term “world” represents both the spiritual and physical spheres of historical development, but the progression of the Spirit is what makes up the essence of historical advancement (Hegel 1988).
To comprehend this, we must define the Spirit in order to understand its evolution in relation to the world. Eventually, the progress made by the Spirit throughout history unveils he gradual actualization of freedom- from the restricted freedom of the original ancients to more universal concepts of human freedom in Christian Europe, reflecting a broader transformation of world history (Hegel 1988).
Reading
Access the reading via the Internet Archive: Introduction to the History of Philosophy (pp. 19–39) (Hegel 1988)
Discussion Questions
Spirit vs Matter
- According to Hegel, how does the concept of matter and Spirit differ?
Characteristics of the Spirit
- How do the abstract characteristics of Spirit contribute to its self-realization?
- How does the text suggest that Spirit’s realization is exhibited through world history?
Bibliography
Hegel, G. W. F. 1988. Introduction to the Philosophy of History, translated by Leo Rauch. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing. https://archive.org/embed/g-w-f-hegel-introduction-to-the-philosophy-of-history.
How to Cite This Page
Purewal, Gurinder. 2024. “Introduction to the Philosophy of History — Hegel.” In Great Thinkers, edited by Gurinder Purewal and Jenna Woodrow. Kamloops, BC: TRU Open Press. https://greatthinkers.pressbooks.tru.ca/chapter/introduction-to-the-philosophy-of-history-hegel/.
