An Introduction to Hegel - 2nd Edition by Stephen Houlgate (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

This classic introduction to one of the most influential modern thinkers, G.W.F. Hegel (1770-1831) has been made even more comprehensive through the addition of four new chapters.

• New edition of a classic introduction to Hegel.
• Enables students to engage with many aspects of Hegel's philosophy.
• Covers the whole range of Hegel's mature thought.
• Relates Hegel's ideas to other thinkers, such as Luther, Descartes and Kant.
• Offers a distinctive and challenging interpretation of Hegel's work.

From the Back Cover

This classic introduction to one of the most influential modern thinkers, G.W.F. Hegel (1770-1831), has now been updated and expanded to make it even more comprehensive.

The book covers every aspect of Hegel's mature thought, including his philosophy of history, logic, political philosophy, aesthetics and philosophy of religion. For the second edition, five completely new chapters have been added; two on both the Phenomenology and the Philosophy of Nature, and one on the Philosophy of Subjective Spirit. In the course of the book, the author relates Hegel's ideas to those of many other thinkers, including Luther, Descartes, Kant, Newton and Thomas Kuhn. He clearly shows that Hegel's is a viable philosophical enterprise with important theories to contribute to a number of modern debates.

Although written for those new to the study of Hegel, specialists will welcome the book's distinctive and challenging interpretation of Hegel's work, which takes seriously his claim to have developed a philosophy which is 'presuppositionless'.

Review Quotes

'This is a sympathetic and very enlightening introduction to Hegel's thought, which will provide great assistance to those studying his work for the first time, while also being of interest to experts in the field. The new material on the Phenomenology, Philosophy of Nature and Philosophy of Subjective Spirit adds to what has always been one of the best texts on Hegel's philosophy as a whole.' Robert Stern, Professor of Philosophy, University of Sheffield

'With the addition of five new chapters Houlgate's book becomes, hands down, the best introduction to Hegel's philosophy available. Houlgate is everywhere a lucid and patient guide to the depths and richness of Hegel's thought. An indispensable book for newcomers to Hegel. Highly recommended.' J. M. Bernstein, New School for Social Research

About the Author

Stephen Houlgate is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Warwick. He is the author of Hegel, Nietzsche and the Criticism of Metaphysics (1986) and the editor of Hegel and the Philosophy of Nature (1998) and The Hegel Reader (Blackwell, 1998). He was President of the Hegel Society of America from 1994 to 1996 and is currently editor of the Bulletin of the Hegel Society of Great Britain.