Half Hour Hegel: The Complete Phenomenology of Spirit (Preface, sec 2-3)

In this second video in the new series on G.W.F. Hegel's great early work, the Phenomenology of Spirit, I read and comment on the second and third paragraph of the text, from the Preface. In these sections, Hegel continues to set out what a genuinely philosophical overview of the kind of philosophical achievement he has produced would require -- and he contrasts this against other, typical ways of situating oneself in relation to the past and present history of philosophy.

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.

The introductory music for the video is: Solo Violin - BWV 1004 - Partita for Violin No. 2 - Recorded in Brooklyn June 26, 2011 specifically to be dedicated to the Public Domain

#Hegel #Phenomenology #Philosophy #Idealism #German #Dialectic #Spirit #Absolute #Knowledge #History

[WeBreakTheChain]

What you're doing in these videos to elucidate Hegelian thought is superior to anything I've seen or read during my entire undergraduate career. Zizek may have big ideas, but you're never going to find such a straightforward description of Hegel in any of his numerous works. This is real 21st century philosophy in the age of schizophrenic social media. Keep up the excellent work.

[spencertubbs]

This is truly an admirable project. Thank you for this great service to the intellectual community. And for the inspiration quote: "Philosophers are not just reducible to a set of propositions expressed in their works; they are human minds"

[bilizard]

I'm 43. Never studied philosophy in my life, but thanks to you and your efforts in putting together these videos I'm able to get exposure to these exciting and wonderful philosophical concepts. Without your commentary and unpacking of these dense concepts, they would forever be lost and unattainable for a simpleton such as myself. Thank you for you taking the time and presenting these often intimidating and daunting concepts in a non threatening and entertaining manner. Hegel's writing is as inscrutable as they come in my opinion and without your explanations an insights, his profound thoughts on philosophy would be interrupted as nothing more than rambling gibberish to someone of my, shall we say, limited intellect. You sir are a rock star to me! Keep doing what you do, I throughly enjoy this stuff and never in a million years would I have guessed at the age 43 I would take an interest (albeit amateurish) in philosophy. Truly are never too old to learn new things.

[MooTV]

there is something very beautiful to me about the metaphor of the bud and the blossom and the fruit

[PhizzyEssence]

There is a lot about section 3, and your commentary, that appeals to me at a visceral level. In particular, the concept of "tarrying", spending quality time and effort on a problem, simply for the love of the activity. You are providing a great, concrete example of "tarrying" with this video series.

[robertmontgomery]

No one else on the internet has done anything like this— reading the text and showing it and then explicating the section. Great work Greg.

[lordtains]

This second paragraph was surprisingly beautiful. Its applicability extends to pretty much any scientific endeavor..

[jamesmorgan]

It's really amazing to me that this book is so dense that even the explanation is dense.

[GregoryBSadler]

the next two paragraphs of the Phenomenology, text and commentary. . .

[satan]

I’m 17 and I’m going to law school for UG, thanks for making me love philosophy

[dcinput]

I like the way this is presented, analogies, schemes, mildly funny anegotes, 30 minutes per lecture. Perfect.

[coryhillman]

I am closely reading Hegel for the first time and then following up what I read in the Phenomenology with your discussions. These are incredibly helpful and have really helped me appreciate the depth of Hegel's ideas and why he is an important thinker.

[infraherald]

Thanks for this huge effort! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all these videos, especially as an autodidact. I’ve been so frustrated with the limits of American quasi-dichotomies, and finally being able to connect these experiences of frustration to the art of great thought feels purposeful, or potentially purposeful, at least. Thanks!

[christopherbrennan]

Thanks for putting this together. It's an amazing secondary source to back up my own reading.

[WalrusWillpower]

I'm so happy that you use examples. I've found that so many lectures will try to use some form of "it is left as an exercise to the reader..." to get out of making sure that the subject is properly explained.
I also like how I can see that you are embodying the idea of tarrying on the real issue. Instead of the sparknotes version or a lecture that's only the greatest hits, we need a 280 video lecture that covers every paragraph!

[bertfrankenberry]

I've said it before but I just wanted to thank you again for what you're doing with this online lectures, very awesome and helpful! You seem to be a great man!

[theamici]

One and a half minute in the video and I already enjoy it very much x) Can't wait for nr. 3

[silveranstavern]

This is a very good format, and I wish this format were adopted for other influential works as well. The insights and commentary provided make the material more accessible and increases the digestibility of it. This in turn is likely to draw others who would otherwise forgo the material. We collectively appreciate the work you do here. As my son grows older I will be using your resources here to introduce him to philosophy. It is an underappreciated subject in today's modern world.

[blakefre]

Can't believe I'm about to commit to this journey but you seem like a fantastic guide so far

[Bobbleheads]

Great video. I was about to give up because i couldn’t understand the book but now i realize that this section is actually about the need to stick with a philosophical text.