Summary of Hegel's Philosophy of History

00:00:00 - 00:40:00

Hegel's philosophy of history is a synthesis of the traditions of Athens, Jerusalem, and Germany. Hegel believes that all humans are one in the spirit, and that we are all going through a final apotheosis of Christian theology. Hegesl legacy is still relevant to modern philosophers, and his ideas are likely to be debated for years to come.

• 00:00:00 Hegel's philosophy of history is vast and comprehensive, encompassing everything from reason to the spiritual. In this lecture, Woody Allen points out that it can be difficult to follow Hegel's reasoning, and that it would be helpful to approach the philosophy from a different angle, i.e. understanding spirit as something more than just individual minds.
• 00:05:00 Hegel believes that the entire human species is one giant, collective subject, and that all phases of human history can be seen as analogous to the development of an individual human being. He also believes that it is possible to discern the process of maturity and development in human existence, and that the ultimate goal of human existence may be discerned through rational analysis.
• 00:10:00 Hegel's philosophy of history is based on the idea that history is a process of redemption, where the human soul realizes its potential and progresses towards its ultimate destiny. He also believes in the existence of a spirit that directs and shapes human history, and that it changes and develops over time.
• 00:15:00 Germans philosopher Hegel believed that each great historical epoch makes a contribution to the development of human spirit. Hegels idea of an 'oversoul' connects us all and the spirit has been developing over time. The emphasis on humanism in the Renaissance is something that carries over into various cultural products. Hegel believed that as spirit becomes more knowledgeable, it becomes more free and has the potential for autonomous rationality. Hegel's philosophy is closely linked to the development of physical science and political theory during the Enlightenment. He also believed that as spirit becomes more aware of itself, it becomes more capable of creating beautiful art.
• 00:20:00 According to Hegel, the ability of humans to progress in knowledge and power is a gradual process that leads to the ultimate completion of all knowledge and power. Hegels philosophy of history is based on the idea that all humans participate in the spirit and move it forward. Difficulties faced by philosophers of history such as Vico are brought together by Hegel and he sees himself as the geist, or spirit, that has coalesced and consolidated itself on his writing table.
• 00:25:00 Hegel's philosophy of history is about the development of freedom and rationality in human beings, culminating in their reconciliation with the divine mind. Hegels' thought is highly influential, with many later philosophers adopting elements of his philosophy.
• 00:30:00 Hegel's Philosophy of History is a significant intellectual achievement, and it is more poetic than it is logically satisfactory. It is also christian theology, and the difficulty people have had with it is that it seems too closely associated with mythology. However, many of the ideas in this philosophy are important for understanding the history of the 19th century, including the idea that human progress is a process of reconciling God and man, and that the industrial revolution makes possible a new epoch in human history.
• 00:35:00 Hegel's philosophy of history is concerned with the end of human history and the purpose of human existence. He argues that we have turned a corner and are living in a new, more fulfilling era. He believes that all philosophers of history believe this, and that the history of philosophy leads up to their thinking about it.
• 00:40:00 This YouTube video discusses Hegel's philosophy of history, which is a synthesis of the traditions of Athens, Jerusalem, and Germany. Hegel believes that all humans are one in the spirit, and that we are all going through a final apotheosis of Christian theology. Hegels legacy is still relevant to modern philosophers, and his ideas are likely to be debated for years to come.