Introducción a la Fenomenología del Espíritu 8

Name: Introducción a la Fenomenología del Espíritu 8
Uploaded: 2021-12-14T15:04:37.000Z
Duration: 3 h 50 min 44 s

Understanding Hegel's Philosophy

Recap of Previous Class

The session begins with a review of the previous class, emphasizing the importance and complexity of understanding phenomenology.

A definition of truth is revisited: it is described as the unity between existence and progress, where true knowledge involves both being and development.

Knowledge and Democracy

Hegel argues that knowledge, including philosophy and science, should be democratic, accessible to all through human reason.

The only requirement for achieving knowledge is the effort to think critically; this reflects our rational nature.

Philosophy's Role in Society

Hegel believes philosophy must embody contemporary values, responding to the demands of his post-French Revolution era where political freedom was achieved.

To meet these philosophical demands systematically requires a conceptual reconstruction rather than relying solely on sensory experiences.

Concept of the Absolute

Discussion shifts to the concept of the absolute; if it lacks negativity or differentiation (as per Spinoza), then understanding it would be void.

The challenge arises from separating thought from reality, creating a divide between understanding categories and worldly phenomena.

Substance vs. Subject

Julio emphasizes that truth should not only be seen as substance but also as subjectivity—specifically self-conscious spirit that operates independently from individuals.

Understanding an object requires analyzing its historical context—not just its essence or current state but all moments leading up to its present form.

Systematic Analysis in Knowledge

Montserrat highlights that knowing involves systematic analysis; one must understand concepts holistically before grasping individual parts.

The term "substance" emerges as crucial; it's defined not merely as what makes something what it is but also encompasses action or activity.

Complexity of Substance

Diego notes that "substance" is complex yet foundational in philosophy, translating from Greek terms with various meanings related to essence and existence.

Substance is described using Aristotelian definitions—what makes a thing itself—and Spinoza’s view on totality, indicating independence from other entities.

Philosophical Concepts of Substance and Truth

The Nature of Movement and Truth

Discussion on the self-deploying nature of consciousness, suggesting that truth may also be in constant movement, leading to potential relativism.

Raises the question of how to establish a fixed notion of truth amidst this dynamic process.

Understanding Substance

Introduction to substance as the quality that allows an object to exist independently, contrasting it with changing accidents.

Clarification that substance is what remains unchanged and identifies an object through its inherent qualities.

Philosophical Foundations

Aristotle's view that philosophy seeks to understand the true essence of things, emphasizing permanence over transience.

Emphasizes that without understanding essence, one cannot truly comprehend or articulate anything about objects.

The Role of Permanence in Philosophy

Highlights the importance of permanence in defining what a thing is despite its changes; this concept has been central to philosophical inquiry until Kant.

Discusses how philosophy aimed for a stable foundation for knowledge based on enduring truths.

Aristotle's Conceptualization of Substance

Aristotle posits that true substance characterizes pure form and serves as the unmoved mover behind all existence.

Differentiates between complete substances (like God or pure form) and incomplete substances (like individual humans).

Transition from Aristotle to Spinoza

Notes how Descartes maintained distinctions between types of substances but Spinoza challenged this by proposing only one complete substance exists.

Spinoza argues against finite entities being considered substantial; he asserts there is only one infinite substance encompassing everything.

Spinoza’s Unity Concept

Introduces Spinoza's idea that God or nature represents a singular entity with infinite attributes, including thought and being.

Explains how Spinoza subsumes all aspects of nature and thought into one unified order, which Hegel later emphasizes as crucial for philosophical understanding.

Implications for Philosophy

Hegel states aspiring philosophers must acknowledge this singular substance as foundational for all activity and thought.

Clarifies Spinoza’s conception of God diverges from traditional views; here, God embodies totality within a single movement rather than a personal deity.

Hegel's Critique of Spinoza's Substance

Hegel's Accusation Against Spinoza

Hegel criticizes Spinoza for presenting substance as overly substantial, suggesting that Spinoza merely postulates it without a deeper intrinsic movement.

The Nature of Substance in Spinoza

According to Hegel, Spinoza’s concept of substance is akin to light that permeates all things, making them dependent on it as emanations rather than independent entities.

Limitations of Spinoza's Substance

Hegel argues that while everything exists within God (substance), there is no intrinsic movement or dynamism within this substance according to Spinoza.

Importance of the Concept of Substance

The term "substance" holds significant philosophical weight; renouncing it leads to contemporary metaphysical philosophies lacking clarity and depth.

Characteristics of Substance in Spinoza

Two key characteristics are highlighted:

Permanence: What remains constant amidst change.

Autosubsistence: The idea that substance is self-sufficient and does not rely on anything else for its existence.

The Totality and Freedom of Substance

Autosubsistence and Totality

For Spinoza, the singular nature of substance means it encompasses all things, being completely self-sustaining and free from external dependencies.

Reason for Being

Unlike finite beings whose existence derives from a larger process, the reason for substance’s existence lies solely within itself.

Discussion on Movement and Dynamics

Questions Raised by Students

A student questions how Hegel perceives movement in relation to autosubsistence, seeking clarity on how this differentiates him from Spinoza.

Key Differences Between Hegel and Spinoza

It is noted that for Hegel, absolute reality results from a dynamic process rather than static essence—this distinction marks a fundamental divergence from Spinozist thought.

Understanding Hegelian Philosophy

Methodological Approach to Substance

In Hegel’s view, while substance logically precedes human understanding, comprehending it requires recognizing its resultant nature through historical development.

Capturing Reality Through Spirit

Human Development and Historical Context

Hegel emphasizes understanding human evolution as part of a logical sequence in history where spirit develops through various stages against absolutism towards modern statehood.

Understanding Substance and Essence in Philosophy

The Nature of Reality and Substance

The discussion begins with the idea that understanding reality is dependent on phenomena, suggesting a connection between truth and spiritual development.

It emphasizes the importance of differentiating essence from appearance, using the metaphor of "all cats are gray at night" to illustrate how things can seem similar yet possess distinct essences.

A cake is used as an example to explain that its identity is not solely based on its ingredients but rather on what constitutes it as a cake.

Aristotle's Metaphysics and Substance

The speaker references Aristotle's metaphysics, arguing against equating substance with mere matter; instead, substance defines what something fundamentally is.

Clarification is made that a cake remains a cake due to conditions beyond just its components, reinforcing the notion of intrinsic qualities.

Hegel’s Synthesis of Spinoza and Heraclitus

The conversation shifts to Hegel's integration of Spinoza and Heraclitus, highlighting that for Spinoza, substance represents totality from which we understand essence.

It notes that this substance is dynamic rather than static; it embodies continuous movement and self-returning processes.

Hegel’s Critique of Spinoza

A specific paragraph in Hegel's work addresses the relationship between substantiality and knowledge, indicating a shared understanding with Spinoza regarding thought and being.

Hegel critiques Spinoza for his conception of God as synonymous with nature, which led to his excommunication from the Jewish community due to radical ideas about divinity.

Implications of Substance in Thought

Hegel argues that Spinoza’s view makes finite beings feel diminished or insignificant compared to an overwhelming divine substance.

He further critiques how Spinoza presents thought as immobile within substance; while he unifies being and thought, he fails to show their dynamic interaction effectively.

Understanding the Relationship Between Being and Thought

The Parallels of Spinoza's Philosophy

The discussion begins with the assertion that there is a binding movement between two attributes in Spinoza's thesis, which posits a parallelism between being and thought. These attributes are seen as part of God or nature.

It is emphasized that merely presenting this unity is insufficient; one must demonstrate how this unity unfolds and manifests in reality.

Hegel's Concept of Substance

Hegel introduces the idea that substance is not an abstract term but rather something active and real, present in all things. This contrasts with Aristotle’s notion of substance existing beyond our immediate experience.

According to Hegel, substance is characterized by its ability to produce itself through a process of self-differentiation, marking it as truly real.

The Notion of Spirit

The speaker uses the example of "Mexican spirit" to illustrate how collective identity exists within individuals while also transcending them. Each person embodies aspects of this spirit.

Hegel argues that individual experiences contribute to a larger cultural identity (the Mexican spirit), which manifests through each new generation, thus continuously evolving yet maintaining continuity.

Manifestation and Transformation

The Mexican spirit exists independently from individuals but requires their actions for manifestation. Each person's contribution modifies the overall cultural identity while still reflecting continuity.

There’s an ongoing transformation within culture as each generation interacts with inherited traditions, suggesting that while change occurs, there remains a thread connecting past and present identities.

Continuity Amid Change

Hegel’s philosophy suggests that substance must manifest in finite beings; these beings both express and alter the essence they embody through their actions.

Despite transformations over time, there remains a continuity within cultural expressions such as music, illustrating how collective identity can evolve while retaining core elements.

Understanding the Evolution of Mexican Music

The Transformation of Mexican Music

The speaker reflects on how different generations perceive Mexican music, contrasting traditional artists like Jorge Negrete and Pedro Infante with contemporary figures such as Espinoza Paz and Los Ángeles Azules. Despite changes, the essence of Mexican music remains.

There is a notion of a "changing permanence" in the substance of music, suggesting that while styles evolve, the core spirit continues to manifest through various forms.

Concerns About Modern Trends

The speaker expresses concern over the current state of Mexican music, particularly criticizing groups like Los Tigres del Norte and suggesting a decline in quality.

From an older perspective, there is lamentation over how far music has strayed from its roots, indicating a sense of loss regarding cultural authenticity.

Philosophical Insights on Substance

Drawing from Hegel's philosophy, it is suggested that humanity experiences a substantive horizon that continually modifies itself while retaining its essence.

The concept of "substance" is discussed as being inherently tied to individual experiences; each person embodies and expresses this cultural substance in their own way.

Complexity Within Simplicity

As individuals (or "mexicanitos") express their identity, they contribute to a collective experience that transforms the original simplicity into something more complex and nuanced.

The distinction between Spinoza's and Hegel's views on substance is highlighted: for Spinoza, substance emanates from itself; for Hegel, it produces both itself and its manifestations through human experience.

Concept vs. Substance

A discussion arises about the relationship between concept and substance. Concepts unify thought but differ fundamentally from substances which represent totalities containing all existence.

It’s emphasized that concepts are reflective unifications between being and thought while substances encompass broader existential realities beyond mere concepts.

Historical Contextualization

The conversation shifts towards understanding history as an evolving narrative where finite beings interact with past experiences to shape future developments within humanity's story.

Finally, it’s noted that subjectivity involves negativity or differentiation—an essential aspect distinguishing Hegel’s philosophy from others by emphasizing self-differentiation as part of existence.

Understanding Hegel's Dialectics and Substance

The Nature of Substance

Hegel posits that substance is not a static entity; rather, it embodies differentiation and must manifest in existence. This implies that substance presents itself as being within everyday reality.

The complexity of this idea can be likened to Mexican music, which serves as a metaphor for substance. For both Hegel and Spinoza, there exists only one totality or substance.

Expression and Existence

Music, like substance, requires expression through finite existences (e.g., musicians). Without manifestation, it lacks reality; thus, the essence of substance is tied to its expressions in the world.

This process represents a self-negation where the essence transforms into finite existence but retains an internal negativity that allows it to return to its original state after experiences.

Transformation Through Education

New generations of Mexican musicians will modify traditional music. Substance is characterized by its externalization in reality and self-transformation through these modifications.

Education plays a crucial role in reproducing cultural identity. Each new generation must undergo a process of humanization to recognize their participation in the national substance.

The Dynamic Nature of Culture

National culture manifests through individuals who are shaped by education but also contribute to modifying that culture. Thus, the movement of substance involves restoration and transformation over time.

The history of education in Mexico reflects this dynamic nature; while it remains foundational (substance), it continuously evolves through interactions with finite existences.

Philosophical Foundations

Philosophy seeks what is permanent—the foundation or reason behind things—termed as 'substance.' Hegel introduces movement within this concept, suggesting that something eternal persists despite ongoing transformations.

Every individual is both a product and producer of spirit according to Hegel. This duality emphasizes humanity's historical context within the framework of dialectics.

Reflection on Identity

True equality arises from restoring balance between different states or reflections within oneself. This notion challenges Spinoza’s view on originative unity by emphasizing continuous movement rather than static existence.

Hegel argues against viewing substances as fixed origins; instead, he describes them as perpetually evolving entities defined by their development and interrelations throughout time.

Understanding the Infinite Circle of Substance and Spirit

The Nature of Substance as a Circle

The concept of self-activity is described as an infinite circle, where exiting oneself leads back to oneself through self-differentiation. This cycle implies that there is no true beginning or end.

Reality is defined by its development and manifestation in existence, emphasizing that substance (or spirit) only becomes real when it externalizes itself.

The Relationship Between Culture and Individuality

Mexican culture exists because individuals embody it; however, these individuals are not mere products but also producers who modify the culture through their actions.

Each generation represents a spiritual moment within the substance, forming and transforming this essence through their experiences and actions.

The Infinite Process of Human History

Human history is characterized as an infinite process where each generation inherits from the past yet transforms that heritage, leading to continuous change while maintaining permanence.

This ongoing transformation reflects a dynamic permanence—substance remains stable yet evolves over time, akin to Heraclitus's notion that everything changes except for change itself.

Clarifying Concepts: Substance vs. Spirit

A discussion clarifies that previous moments in Mexican identity have not disappeared but transformed; thus, Mexicanidad has continuity throughout history.

While substance serves as a philosophical category representing what remains constant, spirit manifests human action in the world—highlighting their distinct roles in understanding existence.

Philosophical Foundations of Substance

The professor explains that substance is essential for comprehending finite existences; it provides a logical foundation beyond mere philosophical invention.

Understanding why substance exists involves recognizing that finite existences require grounding in something more substantial—a necessity for logical reasoning about existence itself.

This structured overview captures key discussions on the nature of substance and spirit while linking them to broader themes such as culture, individuality, and historical continuity.

Understanding Substance in Philosophy

The Nature of Substance

The concept of substance is essential for understanding knowledge, as it seeks to transcend the immediate and variable nature of things to find something permanent.

Philosophers like Plato emphasize that true understanding requires identifying the essence of concepts, such as beauty, rather than relying on specific examples or appearances.

The philosophical pursuit of substance involves seeking the unconditioned and permanent aspects of knowledge, which are crucial for comprehending finitude and particularity.

Historical Context and Human Experience

Hegel suggests that human history embodies substance, manifesting through societies and cultures; each generation contributes to this ongoing development.

Humanity is both a product and producer of substance; every culture expresses its unique manifestation while simultaneously being shaped by historical context.

Art as Expression of Spirit

Art serves as a reflection of the spirit throughout history, with various movements (e.g., realism, romanticism) expressing different phases of spiritual development.

Understanding art requires contextualization within its historical framework to grasp how it represents human actions and constructions influenced by spirit.

Logical Necessity in Philosophy

The necessity for logical coherence in defining substance prevents falling into psychologism—where essences are merely subjective constructs used for organizing perceptions.

Hegel's philosophy emphasizes that understanding what remains constant amidst change is fundamental; philosophy must focus on what gives things their essence.

Phenomenology and Consciousness

Hegel’s "Phenomenology" aims to guide individual consciousness towards recognizing its foundation not within itself but in the broader totality that constitutes it.

This process encourages individuals to elevate their understanding through experience, ultimately leading them to comprehend their existence's rationale within a larger context.

Understanding Substance and Consciousness

The Foundation of Experience

The concept of substance is presented as a fundamental aspect that transcends individual experiences, serving as the basis for our existence.

The goal of phenomenology is to elevate finite consciousness to an understanding of infinite substance, allowing individuals to perceive the world from a divine perspective.

The Complexity of Self-Development

The notion of becoming oneself involves a cyclical process where beginnings and ends are interconnected, emphasizing the importance of development in achieving reality.

Engaging with complex philosophical texts can be challenging; however, understanding these concepts is crucial for grasping deeper philosophical ideas.

Generational Influence on Substance

Each generation emerges within a substantial spiritual horizon, inheriting cultural elements such as language and customs that shape their identity.

Humanity's essence manifests through generations, each contributing to and transforming the inherited cultural framework while maintaining continuity.

Transformation Through Cultural Heritage

As generations receive cultural heritage, they modify it through their actions and innovations, leading to an evolving understanding of technology and societal norms.

This cycle continues with each new generation inheriting and altering the previous culture, demonstrating an ongoing transformation rather than mere disappearance.

Philosophical Perspective on Substance

Philosophers must adopt an abstract viewpoint to comprehend essential concepts like substance, which represents permanence amidst change.

Traditional philosophy seeks to understand what remains constant over time, contrasting with empiricist views that focus on changeable aspects of experience.

Understanding the Concept of Equality and Substance

The Nature of Equality

The speaker discusses the idea that upon re-reading, sentences convey different meanings, suggesting a deeper understanding of equality as something that is restored and mediated.

This equality is described as transformed; it reflects the essence of being 'other' while maintaining its identity through externalization.

Hegel's Perspective on Substance

The discussion shifts to finite existences, emphasizing that substance must result from mediation and movement rather than being an immobile entity like Aristotle's unmoved mover.

Hegel argues that true substance exists within the world, contrasting with Aristotle’s view where substance is outside and merely imitated by the world.

Historical Context and Transformation

The conversation highlights how humanity continuously transforms this original substance through generations, creating a cycle of cultural inheritance and modification.

Each generation contributes to this transformation, leading to a collective history shaped by past experiences.

The Circle of Existence

The concept of becoming oneself is introduced as a circular process where each new generation both produces and transforms itself.

This cyclical nature allows for historical continuity while also enabling change; humanity modifies its environment based on accumulated knowledge.

Philosophy vs. Common Consciousness

A distinction is made between common consciousness and philosophical thought; philosophy requires a transformation in perspective beyond preconceived notions.

It emphasizes that human history shapes our current existence, indicating that we modify our surroundings but remain part of an ongoing historical narrative.

Challenges in Philosophical Understanding

There’s an acknowledgment of difficulties in grasping concepts like beauty due to preconceived images influenced by evolution.

To engage in philosophy effectively, one must abandon these preconceptions to understand substances authentically.

Conclusion on Consciousness Transformation

A monumental lesson from Hegel's "Phenomenology" stresses the need for consciousness to evolve beyond immediate understanding for genuine philosophical inquiry.

It suggests that philosophy isn't about reproducing common beliefs but transforming thought processes entirely.

Philosophical Transformation of Consciousness

The Nature of Philosophical Thinking

Philosophy requires a shift from common consciousness to a different way of thinking, which is not easy and involves learning.

Instead of viewing things in their finitude and transience, one must understand them through a permanent horizon that gives essence and meaning.

Overcoming Common Consciousness

The transformation of thought is essential; common consciousness should not be dismissed but rather transformed into philosophical understanding.

Common consciousness perceives the world as finite and diverse, while philosophy seeks to transcend this view for deeper comprehension.

Knowledge and Understanding

True knowledge involves transforming thought to reach the essence or reason for existence, which is a unity amidst diversity.

According to Hegel, being philosophical means comprehending this transformation within one's own consciousness.

The Role of Science in Thought Transformation

Studying science requires questioning biases and principles, demanding a change in perspective similar to philosophical inquiry.

Development of Consciousness

The self-development of consciousness reflects cultural expressions like art and literature, indicating how substance evolves over time.

Understanding human development allows for grasping truth by recognizing the evolution of spirit as an object of study.

Finite vs. Infinite Understanding

Each individual is finite; Kant argues that this limits our understanding of the infinite. However, Hegel contends that we can comprehend infinity through transformed thought.

Achieving Global Comprehension

Hegel believes that despite our finitude, we can achieve an understanding of the infinite by elevating our perspective to see totality as dynamic and interconnected.

He uses metaphors like being at a party where everyone is intoxicated to illustrate how we can still rise above our limitations through thought.

Dialectics as a Tool for Understanding

Hegel asserts that dialectics enable us to reach a global viewpoint on humanity's history and nature, allowing us to understand what constitutes our existence.

Understanding the Role of Philosophy in Human Existence

The Connection Between Individual and Universal History

The essence of culture and humanity lies in understanding universal history, which connects us to a larger movement that defines our existence.

Philosophy requires complex concepts; true thinking necessitates transforming our beliefs rather than merely imitating previous ideas.

Engaging with philosophy demands moving beyond individual consciousness to embrace a global perspective that encompasses all humanity.

Elevating Understanding Through Philosophy

The goal is to rise from particularity to universality, not to lose individuality but to gain deeper self-understanding.

Each thought embodies the potential of all human thought, suggesting that every individual carries the weight of human history within them.

Manifestation of Collective Experience

Just as a taco de carnitas represents the culmination of human learning, each person reflects an infinite process shaping their identity and experiences.

Our personal attributes—how we dress, eat, love—are manifestations of this collective historical process that continues through our actions.

Philosophy's Challenge Against Immediate Perception

True philosophy involves seeing reality from a holistic perspective rather than settling for immediate diversity or multiplicity.

Hegel critiques philosophies that accept superficial understandings; he argues they abandon the philosophical pursuit of grasping fundamental truths about existence.

Transformation Through Philosophical Engagement

Humanity's essence is intertwined with substance; our existence contributes to an ongoing global process present in everyone.

Reflecting on past teachings reveals how Hegel’s philosophy emphasizes community and shared spirit as integral to human development.

The Nature of Scientific Inquiry as Transformation

All sciences represent transformations in thought; abandoning old beliefs is essential for genuine understanding across disciplines like physics and biology.

Philosophy inherently demands a transformation towards viewing totality while letting go of immediate perspectives.

Embracing Historical Context in Personal Identity

Acknowledging ourselves as products of historical processes can be challenging but offers profound insights into our collective identity.

Philosophical Perspectives on Totality and Individualism

The Shift from Totality to Individualism

The speaker suggests that there is a possibility that certain philosophical ideas have not been fully acknowledged, despite being echoed by thinkers like Aristotle, Heraclitus, and Spinoza, who emphasize the concept of totality over individual particulars.

It is noted that modern philosophy has increasingly focused on the individual since Descartes, contrasting with earlier philosophical traditions that considered the whole rather than just parts.

A reference to Hegel highlights a historical perspective where humanity once looked beyond immediate concerns (e.g., towards God or substance), suggesting a loss of this broader vision in contemporary thought.

The discussion points out a dilemma: while philosophies have grounded humans in reality, they may also hinder the ability to regain a holistic view of existence due to an overwhelming focus on particularism and subjectivity.

There is an ongoing debate about whether one should adopt a philosophy centered on diversity and individuality or one that embraces totality; this represents a significant philosophical crossroads.

Analytical Philosophy vs. Holistic Approaches

The speaker raises questions about how analytical philosophy fits into this dichotomy between particularity and totality, noting its foundational issues regarding the separation of being and thought.

Analytical philosophy is critiqued for viewing language as merely representational—a tool for understanding reality—leading to inherent separations between words and their meanings.

This critique extends to all analytical philosophies which aim for clarity through purification of language but fail to recognize Hegel's argument against such separations; they miss deeper connections between concepts and reality.

Integrating Perspectives

An additional comment emphasizes that both analytical and continental philosophies contribute to a global conception of human experience; thus, it’s essential not to isolate these perspectives but rather consider them collectively.