PHL267H5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Amour-Propre, Rational Point, Dialectic
Document Summary
Hegel and his time: early 19th century germany. No german state until 1871; instead a patchwork of larger or smaller principalities. Many german states wavering between liberal reforms and more authoritarian forms of governing. German self-consciousness awakened by the napoleonic wars in first decade of. Slower to develop than england or france: germany was only beginning to experience the transformations and dislocations of a modern market economy. A more decentralized society than existed in france: many social functions performed by non-governmental institutions. Rich tradition of philosophy; comparatively backward social institutions: georg wilhelm friedrich hegel (1770-1831) Lived his 20s & 30s against the historical backdrop of the french revolution and the napoleonic wars. As university student, view french revolution as triumph of freedom and. Impressed with significance of napoleon"s sweeping away old order and attempt to install new institutions. University professor in several german cities, including berlin. Critical of kant"s philosophy for being disconnected from the world.
