Absolute Idealism: Reasons in History — G.W.F. Hegel
Gurinder Purewal
Introduction
Hegel (1988) examines the complex relationship between history and reason in this journey of philosophical thought. The central theme of this reading revolves around a key claim that states that the purpose of reason is to govern the world and provide history with rational understanding. This means that reason is a significant component of power that provides world history with direction and foundation for philosophical inquiry (Hegel 1988).
This perspective of philosophy suggests that reason is not an ambiguous concept far from reach but instead forms the very concept of reality itself. It is an all-encompassing force that breathes essence into all spiritual and natural life, working non-stop to manifest itself in the world (Hegel 1988).
Reading
Access the reading via the Internet Archive: Introduction to The Philosophy of History (pp. 12–18) (Hegel 1988)
Discussion Questions
Understanding Reason in History
- What is your interpretation of the text when it claims that “reason rules the world” and how does this impact your understanding of the purpose of reason? In this aspect, how can reason influence our understanding of world history?
The Role of Philosophy in Historical Interpretation
- How does the philosophical view of reason differ from the empirical approach taken by professional historians?
Reason and Providence
- How does the text contrast between the religious concept of providence and the philosophical concept of reason?
Bibliography
Hegel, G. W. F. 1988. Introduction to the Philosophy of History. Translated by Leo Rauch. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing. https://archive.org/details/g-w-f-hegel-introduction-to-the-philosophy-of-history/page/n3/mode/2up.
How to Cite This Page
Purewal, Gurinder. 2024. “Absolute Idealism: Reasons in History — G.W.F. Hegel.” In Great Thinkers, edited by Gurinder Purewal and Jenna Woodrow. Kamloops: TRU Open Press. https://greatthinkers.pressbooks.tru.ca/chapter/absolute-idealism-hegel/.
