Robert L. Wicks - Simply Hegel

Simply Hegel

Robert L. Wicks

Simply Charly

New York

Copyright 2020 by Robert L. Wicks

Cover Illustration by Jos Ramos

Cover Design by Scarlett Rugers

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher at the address below.

ISBN: 978-1-943657-41-4

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Robert Wicks has achieved the near-miracle of presenting the whole of Hegels thought in a way that will both enlighten the novice and be of great interest to seasoned Hegel buffs for its originality and insight. Wickss esteem for Hegel is evident throughout; he writes from the heart as well as the intellect.

Michael Inwood, author of A Hegel Dictionary and Emeritus Fellow, Trinity College, University of Oxford

Hegel is a notoriously difficult philosopher to approach on ones own. This brief introduction offers a useful companion to those making the effort: after opening a window on Hegels life and times, Wicks gives a helpful reading of some of the most crucial moments within Hegels writings, including key sections of the Phenomenology of Spirit and Encyclopedia. And, in nicely emphasizing the dynamic, practical and ultimately comprehensive character of Hegelian thought, Wicks suggestsperhaps most importantly of allsome of the reasons his work still matters so much to us philosophically.

C. Allen Speight, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Boston University

Hegel is one of the worlds most importantand most difficultphilosophers. This short book brings these ideas to life in real simplicity that would help spark future interest in his groundbreaking ideas.

Thom Brooks, Professor of Law and Government at Durham University and Dean of Durham Law School

This short book, which outlines G.W.F. Hegels main ideas, summarizes the philosophical works and positions with clear non-technical language while maintaining the dominant threads and principles of explanation that carry throughout Hegels systematic philosophy. Indeed, Robert Wickss highlighting of Hegels view that all of reality is a complex process of growth and development is mirrored in the authors own tracing of the development of Hegels philosophical positions, from the earliest to the last of his writings. By accentuating the biographical, historical, and intellectual context of Hegels thought, Simply Hegel provides an excellent introductionsimply but not oversimplifiedthat will be accessible to anyone new to Hegel, as well as a helpful refresher for those who already have some familiarity with this great thinker.

David A. Duquette, author of Hegels History of Philosophy: New Interpretations and Professor Emeritus, St. Norbert College

Simply Hegel is an extraordinary achievement. Robert Wicks manages to explicate Hegels multifaceted system and convoluted arguments in ways that are grounded in scholarship, enlightening, sympathetic, and humorous. This book is welcome to anyone trying to make plausible Hegels thinking to first (and second, and third) time readers of it. Whether one approaches Hegel from the traditional perspective of the Phenomenology of Spirit or from that of the Encyclopaedia system, Wickss contribution helps seeing the wood beyond the trees while whetting readers appetite for studying the trees as well.

Allegra de Laurentiis, Professor of Philosophy, State University of New York at Stony Brook

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Simply Charlys Great Lives series offers brief but authoritative introductions to the worlds most influential peoplescientists, artists, writers, economists, and other historical figures whose contributions have had a meaningful and enduring impact on our society.

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Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel was one of the worlds greatest philosophers, and anyone who approaches his writings for the first time will inevitably be puzzled. Indeed, people who have studied his work for decades still labor to decipher the meaning of certain passages. At the same time, there is an amazing simplicity that underlies Hegels thought: he saw the universe as a single being that is growing into maturity; humans are the leading lights in this growth, as we work together to build a more rational, morally balanced society. His vision is a tremendous and inspiring one for anyone who looks forward to world peace.

Since the time of Hegels death in 1831, there have been many readers and interpreters of his 20 volumes of writings. Renditions of his philosophy are assorted, and corresponding differences of opinion as to what his most important insights weredifferences of opinion about what is living and what is deadare notable in contemporary Hegel scholarship.