Phenomenology of Spirit

Most philosophical works begin by outlining the author’s purpose and how his ideas relate to the work of other philosophers. However, Hegel states that this type of preface is built upon the belief that a particular philosophy is final and should be taken as absolute truth. Hegel argues that any philosophical work is a part of a slow process of discovery: “It does not comprehend the diversity of philosophical systems as the progressive unfolding of truth, but rather sees in it simple disagreements” (2). He compares philosophy to a flower’s bud which gradually unfolds, each petal contributing to the blossom, even as the petals crowd one another, representing philosophical conflict. Finally, the fruit appears, representing the truth.

Finding fault with fixed knowledge which ignores the gradual unfolding of truth, Hegel suggests that the nature of consciousness evolves and builds upon itself. He believes philosophers spend so much time focusing on how their work is distinguished from the work of others and arguing why their ideas are superior that they fail to place their attention on uncovering core truths and do not see how their contributions are a part of a greater whole.

Hegel rejects epistemology which focuses on the origin of knowledge and turns his attention toward developing a comprehensive system of science, which he believes leads to absolute truth—a purer form of knowing.