The self and its body in Hegel's Phenomenology of spirit

Viac o knihe

A major criticism of Hegel's philosophy is its perceived neglect of bodily experience. In this work, John Russon reveals an implicit philosophy of embodiment within Hegel's Phenomenology of Spirit. He contends that Hegel not only acknowledges the body but integrates modern insights on embodiment with ancient Greek philosophical approaches. Russon examines Hegel's Phenomenology from a contemporary perspective while situating both this view and Hegel's within a classical tradition. Utilizing Aristotelian concepts of 'nature' and 'habit,' he highlights the distinction between biological nature and a cultural 'second nature.' In Russon's interpretation, this second nature represents the true embodiment of human intersubjectivity. He sees the development of spirit, as outlined by Hegel, as a process where the self creates an embodiment through social and political institutions that fulfill its rational needs. Ultimately, Russon argues that self-expression and self-interpretation are fundamental to the human spirit, and the extent to which these needs are met serves as a measure of the adequacy of the institutions that shape human life. This connection to classicism enriches the understanding of Hegelian philosophy, making Russon's work a valuable resource for scholars and newcomers alike.