Hegel's Logic - An Essay in Interpretation

In his Logic Hegel has endeavoured to incorporate the essential principles of philosophy which in the development of the world's thought have forced themselves upon men's convictions, and have been attested by a general consensus of opinion. An insight into the Hegelian system means, therefore, a comprehensive and appreciative grasp of the history of philosophy in the salient features of its progress. The Logic serves also as an excellent introduction to the more specific study of German philosophy which has been most profoundly affected by the writings of Hegel, both in the philosophical schools whose doctrines have been grounded confessedly upon Hegelian principles, and also among those which represent a radical reaction against Hegel. Moreover, the system of philosophy as outlined in the Logic is not merely a speculative system of abstract thought, but is at the same time an interpretation of life in all the fulness of its concrete significance. Upon these considerations, therefore, it is evident that a knowledge of the Hegelian system must prove of inestimable value to the student of philosophy. Unfortunately, the proverbial obscurity of Hegel has deterred many from undertaking a systematic study of his works. It is my conviction that the text of the Logic is self-illuminating. It has been my endeavour, therefore, to simplify all technical terms and explain their significance in the light of the definitions as given by Hegel himself, and as indicated in the context where such terms severally occur. There has been throughout an attempt to render intelligible the fundamental Hegelian doctrines by means of simple statement and illustration. The method of interpretation has grown out of the belief that the best commentary upon Hegel is Hegel himself. The basis of this exposition has been the Logic of the "Encyklopadie der philosophischen Wissenschaften, Hegel's Werke, VI." During the preparation of this volume I have received valuable suggestions from my friend, Professor Creighton of Cornell University, to whom I gladly express my indebtedness.