Hegel: Expression of the Spirit

After considering the thoughts of the philosophers that we have read so far this semester I find Hegel's principles to be the most attractive. I try to analyze the thoughts of the philosophers we have read with a neutral perspective but Hegel has stood out to me as an exceptional thinker. He uses Kant's categorical imperative as a basis for more reasonable conclusions through means of his dialectic model. Hegel's ability to combine his own, less formal, analysis of truth with the traditional interpretation is quite impressive. Hegel emphasizes the affect that social norms and cultural practices have on the universal nature of truth and reason. Hegel is unable to view truth and reason without these factors. This is quite a natural reaction to the analysis of these precepts. Kant treats these principles without the practicality that Hegel brings to the subjects. Kant spends much of his time discussing the universal nature of truth whereas Hegel acknowledges our different perceptions of truth and uses a self-realized spirit as a means of defining the absolute. Hegel struggles with his perceptions and at some points agrees with Kant. Hegel's philosophy appeals to me on a personal level because of his human approach to his arguments. He does not treat humans as simply as many other philosophers do. Hegel triumphs in his position concerning the historical nature of the absolute because he breaks down the barriers that caused Kant's theories to be limited by idealism. The "human element" that Hegel brings to his philosophy is clearly defined in his concept of 'Sittilichkeit' which is based on "a life of shared values, feelings, and customs" (Solomon, 70). Hegel takes Kant's approach to duty seriously but combines this with his view of 'human law' as Solomon describes it. For Hegel this concept of 'Sittilichkeit' aides in his definition of religion and a movement away from imposed Christian thought.

I also appreciate Hegel's approach to religion. In some ways I struggle with the classical religious model and thus far none of the philosophers that we have read have concluded that God may not exist. Many of the thinkers that we have approached have questioned God's existence but have not come to anything other than a positive conclusion in the matter. Because of Hegel's broad approach to religion and its relationship to our absolute spirit he provides the option of doubt as a real possibility. Although Kant's thoughts were specific and absolute Hegel brings about a more realistic, integrated approach to the questions of morality and truth. In a modern environment a Kantian approach to the world can leave gaps in our ability to perceive world around us. In an era of instant communication and constant information overload Kant's theories leave something to be desired.