Spirit of Trust: A Reading of Hegel's <i>Phenomenology</i>

A landmark contribution to philosophy, Robert Brandom's The Phenomenology of Spirit retells Hegel's classic work in light of contemporary thought, challenging dominant modes of thought and advocating for a view combining objective idealism and reciprocal recognition. This can lead to a new age of spirit and overcome the troubled modernity of our time.

Format: Hardback
Length: 856 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2019
Publisher: Harvard University Press

A significant and long-awaited contribution to philosophy, Robert Brandom's reinterpretation of Hegel's The Phenomenology of Spirit spans forty years in the making. Recognized as one of the world's foremost and influential philosophers, Brandom's work presents a fresh and innovative perspective on Hegel's renowned exploration of the adventure of ideas.

In this groundbreaking work, Brandom weaves together analytic, continental, and historical traditions, illuminating how Hegel challenges prevailing modes of thought in contemporary philosophy. Through his meticulous analysis, Brandom demonstrates how Hegel's philosophy provides a profound critique of modernity, offering a new understanding of the historical shift that constitutes the advent of modernity.

At the core of Brandom's retelling lies the concept of "A Spirit of Trust." This book explores the profound historical transformation that has shaped the course of humankind, leading to the emergence of modernity. In his Critiques, Kant discusses the distinction between what things are in themselves and how they appear to us. Hegel sees Kant's distinction as highlighting the crucial divide between the ancient and modern worlds. In the ancient world, normative statuses, or judgments about what ought to be, were taken as objective facts. However, in the modern world, these judgments are understood to be influenced by subjective attitudes or stances.

Brandom's interpretation of Hegel introduces a novel perspective, known as "objective idealism." He argues that while there is an objective reality, our ability to comprehend it is contingent upon our understanding of how we think about it. Brandom posits that we become agents only when we are recognized as such by other agents. This recognition is facilitated through social practices of reciprocal recognition, where normative statuses such as commitment, responsibility, and authority are established through mutual acknowledgment and understanding.

In Brandom's view, the key to overcoming the challenges of modernity lies in the development of self-conscious recognitive attitudes that take the radical form of magnanimity and trust, as described by Hegel. These attitudes transcend the limitations of individualism and egoism, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and solidarity among individuals. By cultivating a spirit of trust, we can transcend the divisions and conflicts that characterize our contemporary world and enter a new age of spirit, where cooperation, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the world around us prevail.

Through his meticulous scholarship and engaging writing style, Robert Brandom's A Spirit of Trust offers a profound and thought-provoking exploration of Hegel's philosophy. It provides a valuable contribution to contemporary philosophical discourse, challenging readers to reevaluate their understanding of the world and paving the way for a more harmonious and inclusive society.

Weight: 1384g
Dimension: 233 x 142 x 59 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674976818