The Accessible Hegel

by Michael Allen Fox

Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel was one of the most influential philosophers of the 19th century. Unfortunately, his work is notoriously difficult to understand. There is thus a need for a clear presentation of his major philosophical contributions to help students and other interested persons in approaching the work of this important thinker.Philosopher Michael Allen Fox admirably fills this need in this lucid explanation of Hegel's ideas. Fox discusses at length the chief component of Hegel's systematic philosophy -- the concept of the dialectic. According to Hegel, in a world of becoming and persistent change, reason progresses through conflict and the resolutions that arise from the dialectic of opposing elements. The tumultuous clash of opposites leads to ever new advances in human knowledge and culture.Fox also considers many of Hegel's other his difficult notion of the Absolute, the final stage of history in which reason attains perfect mastery of the world and thought realizes its full potential; his dynamic conception of truth as evolving toward total comprehensiveness; the master-slave pattern of human relationships; the social structure of the self; the varied political interpretations and adaptations of Hegel's philosophy on both the Left and the Right; and many other aspects of Hegel's complex system.For both beginners and those already familiar with Hegel's work, this excellent overview of one of philosophy's great geniuses offers many clarifications and insights.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

184 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2004

Reviews

[Colin Claybrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent introduction to the complicated world of Hegel. It was well written, well organized, and you could tell that Fox was a dedicated Hegelian and truly understood his ideas. However, don’t take that to mean that just anyone could pick this up and completely get it. Fox did a good job at making it easier to understand, but even the easiest explanation of Hegel is very complicated, and takes time to truly understand. But once you do, you find a very beautiful and unique view on the world, our history, our politics, and our future. Hegel was arguably one of the most influential philosophers of all time and having read this, it is easy to see why

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first time I read this book I had to give it 1 star. I only read Hegel because I understood him to be a predecessor to Marx. As an introduction, or more, a platform to begin to comprehend Hegel, a prior other 'dialectical' text, I would not recommend this book. However, once one has a mildly firm grounding in the rhetoric of dialecticians, and the general trend of philosophies of 'being,' this book is a genuine masterpiece of lucidity. Therefore, it deserves one star for the mildly misleading title that could trick the ignorant into expecting to be enlightened. It deserves 5 stars for enlightening the already tenuously informed.

[Mischke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Blew through this book over a few days.

As part of my reading plan for the summer of 2012, working my way through Hegel's oeuvre, I was looking for introductions to Hegel to help get the overview of his magisterial system of philosophy--he is systematic to the highest degree, touching on just about every topic you can imagine.

This book was helpful for sure and I return to it often to brush up on the main outlines of his thought. I certainly recommend this for anyone starting to read Hegel.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read. Great introduction to Hegel. It was nice to get some healthy criticism and defense of his philosophy near the end of the book. It makes me want to read "Phenomonology of Spirit"... someday!

[Jeff Samuelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure if I’m starting to understand Hegel better or if this book is more understandable, but if the 5 or so books I have now read, this was by far the best to start with. Highly recommended for anyone starting with Hegel

[Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book is actually more useful to read after you've attempted to read some Hegel. I found that it clarified a few things that I found confusing to read on my own.

[Geoff German · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction for a very challenging philosophy.

[Steven Felicelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

highly recommend as primer or refresher

[Stephen Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, introductory book to learning about Hegel and his renowned, esoteric philosophy.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a book for beginners.

[Fred Sprinkle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very helpful overview, however still a stretch to call it accessible.

[Lake Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun! Accessible without over-reduction, very useful in interpreting the work of authors descended from Hegel's thoughts on social construction, dialectic, and recognition. Good fun!

[Alan Morgan]

Well it's definitely Hegel