Georg Wilheim Friedrich Hegel in Context

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how Hegel, a son of his times, reflects his times in his writings, where he takes the measure of his historical moment. In particular, the paper examines the political thought in Hegel's book "The Philosophy of History" with a focus on an analysis of the Zeitgeist. The paper delves into the implications of some major socio-political upheavals as well as the Church as seen in Hegel's book and then gives a discussion on the influences that Hegel had, which affected his stand and writings in some way or another.

Outline:
Introduction
The Revolution and the Church
The Influence He Had
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"It is important to know something about Hegel's life and times since, according to Hegel, philosophy necessarily reflects its own times, the times to which a particular thinker belongs (Rockmore, 2003, p. 40). Hegel lived to see a world in conflict. He lived in a time when a number of socio-political upheavals took place, namely: the American Revolution, the French Revolution, the Napoleonic wars, and the aftermath of those wars. These historical events took their respected attention and weight in the writings of Hegel as can be seen in his book The Philosophy of History, which practically discusses the progression of historical events from chaotic and troubled times characterized by conflicts towards that where the Spirit is realized in full or that of a perfect state. It is only after a fact that we can see that a long series of unnoticed changes have brought about a significant transformation in political life or philosophical thought (Fiala, 2003, p. 61)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Althusser, L., 1997, The Spectre of Hegel: Early Writings, Matheron, F., ed., Verso, London.
• Hegel, G. W. F., 1956, The Philosophy of History, Sibree, J., trans., Dover Publications, Inc., New York.
• Fiala, A., 2003, The Dawning of Desire: Hegel's Logical History of Philosophy and Politics in Hegel's History of Philosophy: New Interpretations, Duquette, D., ed., State University of New York Press, New York.
• Kaufmann, W., 1996, The Hegel Myth and Its Method in The Hegel Myths and Legends, Stewart, J., ed., Northwestern University Press, Illinois.
• Maurer, R. K., 1996, Hegel and the End of History in The Hegel Myths and Legends, Stewart, J., ed., Northwestern University Press, Illinois.

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