Abstract

ABSTRACT In this paper I will provide a reading of the relation between nature and spirit starting from an analysis of the movement of positing and presupposing, discussed by Hegel in the "Science of Logic" in his discussion of the transition between Being and Essence. 1) I will offer an analysis of the logical context within which this dialectical movement emerges. 2) I will show the role played by this dialectical movement in determining the relation between the spheres of nature and spirit in Hegelʼs "Encyclopedia". 3) I will then claim that a difficulty related to this movement arises in the "Logic", and that this difficulty reverberates in the relation between nature and spirit in Hegel's system. In particular, 4) an ambiguity arising at a logical level generates two different configurations of this movement, depending on whether the latter is meant to describe the relation of 4.1) the finite or of 4.2) the infinite spirit to nature. 5) I will finally focus on some problems deriving from my reconstruction and I will try to suggest - in very general and programmatic terms - in what sense the internal analysis of the relation between nature and spirit in Hegelʼs system can be fruitfully discussed against the dominant framework of the contemporary debate, i.e. naturalism. However, this suggestion does not necessarily imply an endorsement of Hegel's position.

Highlights

  • The relation between nature and spirit seems to have attracted renewed interest within Hegelian studies

  • 5) I will focus on some problems deriving from my reconstruction and I will try to suggest – in very general and programmatic terms – in what sense the internal analysis of the relation between nature and spirit in Hegels system can be fruitfully discussed against the dominant framework of the contemporary debate, i.e. naturalism

  • In this paper I will follow an opposite methodological and interpretive direction. a) I will try to provide a reading of the relation between nature and spirit from an exegetical standpoint which is more internal to Hegels system. b) I will maintain that Hegels metaphysical logic is the correct interpretive starting point in order to understand the relation between nature and spirit in his system

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Summary

Introduction

The relation between nature and spirit seems to have attracted renewed interest within Hegelian studies. 5) I will focus on some problems deriving from my reconstruction and I will try to suggest – in very general and programmatic terms – in what sense the internal analysis of the relation between nature and spirit in Hegels system can be fruitfully discussed against the dominant framework of the contemporary debate, i.e. naturalism. This suggestion does not necessarily imply an endorsement of Hegels position

Positing and Presupposing in the “Science of Logic”
Positing and Presupposing in the Relation between Nature and Spirit
Finite and Infinite Spirit
Conclusions

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