G. W. F. Hegel · Philosophy

Spirit and the Absolute

Hegel’s idealism holds that reality is ultimately Geist - Spirit or Mind - coming to know itself. The Absolute is not a static thing beyond the world but the whole process by which reality becomes self-conscious through nature, human history, and thought.

What you'll be able to recall

You learned that for Hegel the ultimate reality is Geist (Spirit), and the Absolute is the whole process by which Spirit comes to full self-knowledge through nature, history, and thought. Explain what Geist is and why Hegel calls the Absolute a result, not a starting point.

Leads to Kant.

Begin this lesson →
← All lessons on G. W. F. Hegel

epoché — a humanities education that remembers you.