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The Wells School of Philosophy Roll Call 22nd April 2024, Hare Lane, 1000-1200 hrs: Tutors: Linda (L), Steve (S) Pupils: Alexis (A), David (D), John (J), Margie (M) Patricia (P), Ray (R), Robin (ℜ) Scribe: Gavin (G) Apologies: Colin (C), Howard (H), Viki (V) The homework set If you haven’t already, do have a look at this School Of Life video about Hegel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5JGE3lhuNo I was somewhat heartened by the proposition made in it that Hegel was a terrible writer, as before looking at this I really hadn’t got a handle on him.(LINDA) The five main ideas of Hegel outlined in this video all have great relevance to modern problems and how to view them in a way that is not demoralising. I think looking at each of these would be a useful structure for our discussion on Tuesday. There are hints here of the pendulum of history that Howard has mentioned. Quick Summary from Gemini, the AI tool, on the relevance of Hegel to today Hegel, a towering figure in Western philosophy, remains surprisingly relevant in the 21st century for a multitude of reasons: 1. The Dialectical Method: Hegel's emphasis on the dialectical process – the interplay of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis – provides a powerful framework for understanding complex issues and driving progress. This method encourages us to consider different perspectives, acknowledge contradictions, and strive for a more comprehensive understanding. In a world often characterized by polarization and entrenched positions, the Hegelian dialectic offers a way to move beyond simplistic binary oppositions and find common ground or more nuanced solutions. 2. Understanding History and Progress: Hegel's philosophy of history, which views history as a rational unfolding of "Spirit" towards greater freedom and self-consciousness, can still inform our understanding of societal development. While his specific teleological view might be debated, his emphasis on the historical context of ideas and institutions remains crucial for analyzing contemporary social and political issues. We can learn from the past to understand the present and shape the future. 3. The Importance of Recognition: Hegel's concept of Anerkennung (recognition), the idea that our self-consciousness and identity are formed through mutual recognition with others, is increasingly relevant in our interconnected world. Issues of social justice, identity politics, and the struggle for inclusion can be analyzed through the lens of recognition. Understanding the dynamics of who is recognized and who is marginalized is key to addressing inequality and fostering social cohesion. 4. Holism and Interconnectedness: Hegel's philosophy emphasizes holism, the idea that reality is an interconnected whole, rather than a collection of isolated parts. This perspective resonates with contemporary concerns about ecological systems, globalization, and the interconnectedness of social and economic phenomena. His approach encourages us to look beyond individual entities and consider the larger systems and relationships that shape our world. 5. Influence on Subsequent Thought: Hegel's ideas have profoundly influenced a vast range of subsequent thinkers and intellectual movements, including Marxism, existentialism, phenomenology, critical theory, and even aspects of analytic philosophy. Understanding Hegel is crucial for grasping the historical development of these influential schools of thought and their continued relevance today. 6. Debates in Ethics and Politics: Hegel's ethical and political philosophy, particularly his work on the state and individual freedom in the Philosophy of Right, continues to be a source of debate and inspiration for contemporary political thought. His ideas are relevant to discussions about the role of the state, the nature of rights, and the relationship between individual autonomy and social order. Some see him as a precursor to communitarianism, emphasizing the social embeddedness of individuals. 7. Understanding Modernity: Hegel grappled with the challenges and contradictions of modernity, including the rise of individualism, secularism, and the complexities of modern institutions. His insights into these issues can still provide valuable perspectives on the challenges we face today. Summary However, it's also important to note some criticisms and complexities: Hegel's writing can be dense and challenging, making his work less accessible to a wider audience. Some critics have accused him of being a defender of the Prussian state and of a potentially totalitarian vision of the state. His teleological view of history is often seen as problematic in a more pluralistic and contingent understanding of historical processes. In conclusion, while Hegel might seem like a philosopher of the past, his ideas continue to offer valuable frameworks for understanding the complexities of the present. His emphasis on dialectics, history, recognition, and interconnectedness, along with his profound influence on subsequent thought, ensures his enduring relevance to contemporary philosophical, social, and political discussions. Discussion Hegel’s Theories Hegel is horrible to read.(L) Hegel left us various soundbites.(P) 'Nothing great in the world was accomplished without passion.' 'We learn from history that we do not learn from history.' 'Only one man ever understood me, and he didn't understand me.' 'War is progress, peace is stagnation.' Marx was much more materialistic than Hegel.(S) Russell wrote that Hegel had a poor understanding of history. The progress of history is 'crablike', Hegel said.(S) Hegel believed we should learn from ideas we dislike.(L) Definition: teleological relates to the doctrine of design and purpose in the material world. Hegel's idea of 'spirit' seems to be a recourse to religiosity.(R) Hegel believed that the era of Christianity after the Romans was a force for good.(D) Hegel's view of history seem to take no account of progress in scientific understanding or of the contribution of inventions to our wellbeing.(G) Hegel's definitions of words such as 'freedom' and 'logic' were different to ours.(A) Philosopher's background will inevitably influence their outlook. Mathematical philosophers such as Frege, Leibniz, and Spinoza are less colourful than Hegel.(L) Hegel recognised that the roots of our knowledge are sensory. Life is nuanced. Hegel made contributions to the philosophy of mind and psychology. Hegel didn’t value the individual, but instead the collective.(A) The inscription at the temple of Apollo in Delphi was 'Know thyself.'(R) You’ve got to take into account where you live, too.(J) He lived through a period of immense change, witnessing the Terror and Napoleon's conquest, for example. The authorities didn’t like all his writings. French revolutionaries wanted to protect their revolution.(M) Perhaps today’s social media is a manifestation of Hegel’s theory of interconnectedness.(A) Dialectics The current Trumpian era is the antithesis of the progress civilization has enjoyed in recent years. Jose Mourinho has frequently quoted Hegel on the truth, particularly the idea that "the truth is in the whole.(S) How does Hegel's dialectic process compare with Socratic dialogue?(S) Dialectic doesn’t necessarily mean a chain of questioning.(L) Socrates' target was often the Sophists.(S) In most of their discussions, Glaucon eventually agreed to Socrates' point.(L) The conflict resolution book[2] by Fisher and Ury was used at Camp David.(S) The important thing in large political problems may be the process, not the goal, because over time the goal will change.(A) Hegel's fruit tree metaphor illustrates his philosophy of history as a dialectical process, where each stage (buds, blossoms, fruit) is essential for the whole, and the final stage (fruit) reveals the true purpose of the tree.(S) Government Do we now need new institutions to cope with the Supreme Court ruling on what a woman is?(S) The House of Lords doesn’t work, along with several other institutions.(A) We need to adapt rather than ditch our imperfect organisations.(S) We have had poor quality government for many years.(R) Is that a criticism of civil servants?(D) Good points were made in parliament during the Brexit debates, but was not reported by news providers.(A) Parliamentary select committees often present high quality debate.(D) Media played a role in this. No other MEP apart from Farage appeared on Radio Four's Question Time.(L) The European Research Group never generated a single piece of research.(R) Hegel said there is something in nationalism.(S) The World Internationalisation happened before globalisation. It generated greater trade volumes than the early days of globalisation.(R) Germany realised it didn’t have any colonies so went about trying to acquire them.(M) Global corporations now undermine nation-states. Trump now imitating a backlash.(S) Corporations now know what they need better than nation-states.(A) Hegel and Trump Would Marx be saying that the mayhem unleashed by Trump signals the collapse of capitalism?(S) Some good emerged after the Second World War, in particular the United Nations and GATT. Trump is undermining all of this.(D) And Trump is now attacking the Federal Reserve.(R) So many organisations believe Trump is wrong, so Trump is trying to weaken his many enemies.(G) Trump is acting as a demagogue.(R) It's the weakness of the US presidential system which has allowed Trump to behave as a king.(A) Fragments Copies of the Beveridge Report were found in Hitler's bunker in Berlin.(S) Leonard Bernstein famously conducted two concerts in Berlin in 1989, to celebrate the fall of the Berlin Wall. The concerts featured Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, with the lyrics to the "Ode to Joy" altered to "Ode to Freedom" in the final movement.(J) In Texas, despite Trump, there has been more recent investment in green energy than in fossil fuels.(S) Book and film referenced [1] 'The Penguin Lessons' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdjEXNX1nSA [2] Roger Fisher and William Ury (1982). 'Getting to Yes'. Random House. Choose from the Philosophy Menu Bar ▼ HOME INDEX Justice 6.v.25 The Good Life 20.v.25 Hume & Testimony 3.vi.25 1H25 Reflections 17.vi.25 Nietzsche 1 24.ii.25 Nietzsche 2 11.iii.25 Universal Basic Income 25.iii.25 Hegel 22.iv.25 2024 Wrap-Up 10.x.24 Democracy 14.i.25 Civilisation? 28.i.25 Compulsory Voting? 11.ii.25 Berlin and Freedom 15.x.24 Nussbaum, Sen and Capability 29.x.24 Slavery Reparations 12.xi.24 Rawls 26.xi.24 Assisted Suicide 11.vi.24 Popper and Evolution 20.viii.24 Popper continued 17.ix.24 Berlin and Romanticism 1.x.24 Marx 19.iii.24 Kant and Knowledge 16.iv.24 Kant and Morality 30.iv.24 Education and Religion 14.v.24 Hobbes & Security 23.i.24 From Locke to Mill 6.ii.24 Rousseau: Social Contract 20.ii.24 Rousseau and Education 5.iii.24 AI and Ethics 31.x.23 Aristotle and AI 14.xi.23 Autumn 2023 Review 28.xi.23 Democracy 9.i.24 Private Education 5.ix.23 The Very Elderly 19.ix.23 Justifiable Law-breaking 3.x.23 Moral Authority 17.x.23