Half Hour Hegel: Phenomenology of Spirit (Stoicism, Skepticism, Unhappy Consciousness, sec. 203-204)

In this eighty-fourth video in the new series on G.W.F. Hegel's great early work, the Phenomenology of Spirit, we begin our study of the third portion of the section "Self-Consciousness", i.e. "The Freedom of Self-Consciousness". I read and comment on paragraphs 203 and 204 of the text here.

In the attitude of Skepticism, as Hegel examines it, we see each of the previous dialectical developments -- those in the Consciousness section, and those in the Self-Consciousness section -- reappropropriated as dialectical. With skepticism, the dialectic shows its corrosive aspect -- anything that deems determinate can be, and is, called into question.

It also reflects the power of the subject -- whereas it might appear that dialectic has consciousness at its mercy, the entire movement is actually a movement of consciousness, towards which the subject remains free. It is really the freedom of the conscious subject from determinate existence -- external or internal to it -- that is the truth revealed through skepticism. The question then remains: what is left of determinate existence?

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

(Amazon links are associate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)

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

[konstantinosdimitriou]

My professor and supervisor [I'm preparing my thesis on the concept of alienation in the works of Hegel (religious, political, economical, cognitive and the relations between these) and young Marx] posted this video on facebook. It was very helpful! I will watch them from the start!

[thereisonlythecave]

Very insightful commentary, Dr. Sadler! Have a great Thanksgiving.

[anorderedhole]

I think one argument that show's Hegel's consciousness does not develop in linear way is that he put's Kant's philosophy in a developmental state before Stoicism and Skepticism preceding Kant by a generous amount of years. Maybe Hegel's history is a history of how things ought to develop.