Half Hour Hegel: Phenomenology of Spirit (Reason, Observation of Nature sec. 259-261)

In this 106th video in the new series on G.W.F. Hegel's great early work, the Phenomenology of Spirit, we continue our study of a new major section of the work, "Reason," discussing the sub-section, "Observing Reason". I read and comment on paragraphs 259, 260, and 261 of the text here.

To be an organism means to be in some manner of teleological relation, including being an end for itself by preserving its being. There is a necessity involved in this, Hegel notes, but it is one concealed by the organism, presenting itself instead as contingency and freedom, which makes it appear as if its Notion resides outside of itself. Hegel points out a parallel between the Thing and the Reason that observes it.

Reason's perspective divides the concrete, existing, acting individual from its universal Notion, construing its activity as empty and devoid of any significant content. But this is an inadequate perspective on Reason's part, and will thus require further development.

In this video series, I will be working through the entire Phenomenology, paragraph by paragraph -- for each one, first reading the paragraph, and then commenting on what Hegel is doing, referencing, discussing, etc. in that paragraph.

This series is designed to provide an innovative digital resource that will assist students, lifelong learners, professionals, and even other philosophers in studying this classic work by Hegel for generations to come.

My videos are used by students, lifelong learners, other professors, and professionals to learn more about topics, texts, and thinkers in philosophy, religious studies, literature, social-political theory, critical thinking, and communications. These include college and university classes, British A-levels preparation, and Indian civil service (IAS) examination preparation

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