Abstract

This chapter first provides a critical discussion of Hegel’s theory of the soul’s (or natural spirit’s) emergence from nature, as laid out in the first paragraphs of the Anthropology. It then reconstructs what Hegel considers to be logically necessary stages of the existence of the soul as living organism, as animal subject, and as human individual (§§399–407). The chapter stresses (i) the importance of understanding the continuity and difference between sentience (Empfindung) in the Anthropology and sensibility (Sensibilitat) in the Philosophy of Nature; (ii) the asymmetrical relationship of dormancy and wakefulness as key to Hegel’s account of the emergence of sentience in nature; and (iii) the soul’s hybrid ontological status as an existent that is at once material and immaterial. The latter is key, not just for understanding various conceptual transitions in the Anthropology but also for appreciating Hegel’s embrace of psychosomatic explanations of phenomena such as the fetal life, hypnotism, and human insanity.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.