Hegel's Science of Logic begins with a problem of beginning, which remains unclear. Robb Dunphy provides a detailed engagement with Hegel's solution, locating it within Hegel's account of significant approaches to the topic of beginning in the history of Western philosophy and making an extended case for the influence of Pyrrhonian Scepticism on the beginning of Hegel's Logic. Dunphy's discussion of the various putative solutions that Hegel might be thought to put forward contributes to debates concerning Hegel's views on the methodology of logic, the relation between his Logic and his Phenomenology of Spirit, and differences between his Encyclopaedia presentation of logic and that of his greater Science of Logic.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 12 February 2025
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Hegel's Science of Logic begins with a fundamental problem: "The beginning of philosophy must be either something mediated or something immediate, and it is easy to show that it can be neither the one nor the other, so either way of beginning finds its rebuttal." Despite its prominent position, the exact meaning of Hegel's statement and his proposed solution remain unclear. In this book, Robb Dunphy offers a comprehensive exploration of Hegel's "problem of beginning," situating it within the broader context of Western philosophy's approaches to the topic and highlighting the influence of Pyrrhonian Scepticism on Hegel's Logic. Dunphy's analysis of various proposed solutions to Hegel's problem contributes to ongoing debates regarding Hegel's methodology of logic, the relationship between his Logic and Phenomenology of Spirit, and differences between his Encyclopaedia presentation of logic and the Science of Logic. Additionally, Hegel and the Problem of Beginning serves as a critical commentary on Hegel's essay, "With what must the beginning of the science be made?" This work is valuable for researchers and students studying the opening of Hegel's Logic.

Hegel and the Problem of Beginning

Hegel's Science of Logic begins with a fundamental problem: "The beginning of philosophy must be either something mediated or something immediate, and it is easy to show that it can be neither the one nor the other, so either way of beginning finds its rebuttal." Despite its prominent placement, exactly what Hegel means in his expression of this problem and exactly what his solution to it is, remain unclear. In this book, Robb Dunphy provides a detailed engagement with Hegel's "problem of beginning", locating it within Hegel's account of significant approaches to the topic of beginning in the history of Western philosophy, as well as making an extended case for the influence of Pyrrhonian Scepticism on the beginning of Hegel's Logic. Dunphy's discussion of the various putative solutions that Hegel might be thought to put forward contributes to debates concerning Hegel's views on the methodology of logic, the relation between his Logic and his Phenomenology of Spirit, and differences between his Encyclopaedia presentation of logic and that of his greater Science of Logic.

Hegel and the Problem of Beginning

Hegel and the Problem of Beginning also functions as a critical commentary on Hegel's essay, "With what must the beginning of the science be made?" which should be of interest to both researchers and students working on the opening of Hegel's Logic.

Weight: 526g
Dimension: 237 x 156 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538147573