Book description
Philosophy for busy people. Read a succinct account of the philosophy
of Hegel in just one hour.
With Hegel philosophy became very difficult indeed - even the great man
himself conceded that 'only one man understands me, and even he does
not.' His dialectical method produced the most grandiose metaphysical
system known to humanity, and included absolutely everything, its most
vital element being the dialectic of the thesis, antithesis and
synthesis. This method arose from Hegel's ambition to overcome the
deficiencies of logic and ascend towards Mind as the ultimate reality.
His view of history as a process of humanity's self-realisation
ultimately inspired Marx to synthesise his philosophy of dialectical materialism.
Here is a concise, expert account of Hegel's life and philosophical
ideas - entertainingly written and easy to understand. Also included are
selections from Hegel's work, suggested further reading, and
chronologies that place Hegel in the context of the broader scheme of
philosophy. 'Well-written, clear and informed, they have a breezy wit
about them . . .I find them hard to stop reading.' New York Times
'Witty, illuminating, and blessedly concise' Wall Street Journal
'Each of these little books is witty and dramatic and creates a sense of
time, place, and character . . . I cannot think of a better way to
introduce oneself and one's friends to Western civilization.' Boston Globe
'A godsend in this era of the short attention span.' New York Times
Paul Strathern has lectured in philosophy and mathematics and now lives
and writes in London. A Somerset Maugham prize winner, he is also the
author of books on history and travel as well as five novels. His
articles have appeared in a great many publications including the
Observer (London) and the Irish Times. His own degree in philosophy was
earned at Trinity College, Dublin.
