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HISTORY by HEGEL
HISTORY by HEGEL
INTRODUCTION: The lessons will introduce the students into the reflections and
philosophical analysis of a German Philosopher Hegel on the vital role of REASON in
the historical discourses, analysis of the chunks or fragments of events of history most
importantly in or contemporary time. Focus is given on the more reflective and critical,
transcendental approach to history, bringing the importance in our context. Hegel will
show the importance of a rational being as a historical man, and the concept of reason
as a substance and infinite energy of all histories in the world. Hegel perceived history,
as it derived from, reason as essential to the flourishing of the present. Various
methods or approaches to treat history were also introduced by Hegel for our use.
OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lessons, the students will be able to:
1.describe the task of philosophy in charting the development of the being, of people in
any historical circumstances.
2.reflect on the Role of Historical Man (Hegel’s) which he called the world spirit,
embodied in the ideals of patriotism, unity, nationalism.
3.explain how does reason play its role in the becoming of a nation.
-As rational being, how should you keep the fire of nationalism burning a midst the
many problems that seem to blunder your love of country today? –SHARE YOUR
THOUGHTS ON THIS IN OUR SYNCHRONOUS SESSION.
HEGEL
One of the most prominent thinkers of the 19th century was Georg Wilhelm
Friedrich Hegel. He was a German idealist philosopher who conceived the subject
matter of philosophy to be reality as a whole. This reality he referred to as the Absolute
Spirit. For him, the task of philosophy is to chart the development of the Absolute Spirit.
Hegel’s ‘Role of Historical Man’ follows a principle, which he called Weltgeist - or
world spirit, which embodies ideals like patriotism, heroism and unity. Since historical
individuals are ideals, and man follows his ideals, this thought which is guided by a
particular ideal becomes what Hegel called as GEISTESWISSENCHAFTEN - world
view or spirit of thought.
Reason or Absolute Spirit is the Substance and Infinite Energy of the universe. It
reveals itself in nature and in individual human beings. World history, local, national, are
necessary path of the development of the World Spirit towards its absolute aim which is
its complete and absolute actualization. Nature is an embodiment of reason
(understanding, Absolute Spirit, Providence or God) as it rules and directs the world.
The Divine Plan is manifested in history as we see these in isolated cases
wherein the guiding hands of God unexpectedly come to an individual in great perplexity
and need. We are here dealing with individual men in history, which comprise the
totality of peoples, the states.
d. Fragmentary reflective history - the author here selects from world history a
limited subject and treats it abstractly and comprehensively such as history of art, law or
religion. This forms a transition to the philosophical history.
Great historical men are those who carry God’s general principles in their aims.
They make a difference in the world. Because their own particular aims involve those
large issues which are the Will-Spirit. Historical men are conscious of the general idea
they were unfolding while carrying out their subjective will. They have the insights of the
requirements of the time- what was ripe for development. This was the truth for their
age, for their world. They knew what was ready at hand- to make it their aim. The deeds
and words were the best of that time.