Description
Book SynopsisA major and comprehensive study of the philosophy of Hegel, his place in the history of ideas, and his continuing relevance and importance. Professor Taylor relates Hegel to the earlier history of philosophy and, more particularly, to the central intellectual and spiritual issues of his own time. He sees these in terms of a pervasive tension between the evolving ideals of individuality and self-realization on the one hand, and on the other a deeply-felt need to find significance in a wider community. Charles Taylor engages with Hegel sympathetically, on Hegel's own terms and, as the the subject demands, in detail. We are made to grasp the interconnections of the system without being overwhelmed or overawed by its technicality. We are shown its importance and its limitations, and are enabled to stand back from it.
Trade Review"Professor Taylor is a stimulating and lucid guide....His book is to be strongly recommended to anyone who wants to understand the origins and style and content of modern ideologies." The Economist
"...the most important book on Hegel ever to appear in English." Journal of European Studies
Table of ContentsPreface and acknowledgements; Abbreviations; Part I. The Claims of Speculative Reason: 1. Aims of a new epoch; 2. Hegel's itinerary; 3. Self-positing spirit; Part II. Phenomenology: 4. The dialectic of consciousness; 5. Self-consciousness; 6. The formation of spirit; 7. The road to manifest religion; 8. The Phenomenology as interpretive dialectic; Part III. Logic: 9. A dialectic of categories; 10. Being; 11. Essence; 12. The concept; 13. The idea in nature; Part IV. History and Politics: 14. Ethical substance; 15. Reason and history; 16. The realized state; Part V. Absolute Spirit: 17. Art; 18. Religion; 19. Philosophy; Part VI. Conclusion: 20. Hegel today; Biographical note; Bibliography; Index.
