Title

Hegel’s Metaphysics: Changing the Debate

Document Type

Article

Department

Philosophy (CMC)

Publication Date

2006

Abstract

There are two general approaches to Hegel's theoretical philosophy which are broadly popular in recent work. Debate between them is often characterized, by both sides, as a dispute between those favoring a more traditional “metaphysical” approach and those favoring a newer “non-metaphysical” approach. But I argue that the most important and compelling points made by both sides are actually independent of the idea of a “non-metaphysical” interpretation of Hegel, which is itself simply unconvincing. The most promising directions for future research, for those on both sides of recent debates, will require recognizing that Hegel's theoretical philosophy includes a metaphysics, and engaging new debates about the specific character of that metaphysics.

The central claims of Hegel's theoretical philosophy are couched in his famously opaque terminology – the terminology of “the absolute,”“the idea,” and so on. And it is safe to say that recent work on Hegel's theoretical philosophy lacks consensus concerning these central claims – even concerning what sorts of philosophical issues they are meant to address. There can be no question here of complete and even-handed coverage of the many interpretive sub-varieties and debates between them all. There are, however, two general approaches broadly popular in recent work. Debate between them is often characterized, by both sides, as a dispute between those favoring a more traditional “metaphysical” approach and those favoring a newer “non-metaphysical” approach. But I argue that the most important and compelling points made by both sides are actually independent of the idea of a “non-metaphysical” interpretation of Hegel, which is itself simply unconvincing. The most promising directions for future research, for those on both sides of recent debates, will require recognizing that Hegel's theoretical philosophy includes a metaphysics, and engaging new debates about the specific character of that metaphysics.

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© 2006 Blackwell Publishing Ltd

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