Hegel

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.