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Half Hour Hegel: Phenomenology of Spirit (Reason, Physiognomy and Phrenology sec. 339-341)

1,442 views · Published 2 October 2016 · 38:46 · Indexed 21 September 2026

Channel: Gregory B. Sadler - That Philosophy Guy · 2016 · Education

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In this 133rd video in the new series on G.W.F. Hegel's great early work, the Phenomenology of Spirit, we continue our study of a new major section of the work, "Reason," focusing on the sub-section, "Observing Reason - Observation of Self-Consciousness In Relation to Its Immediate Actuality: Physiognomy and Phrenology".  I read and comment on paragraphs 339, 340, and 341 of the text here.

Phrenology, by focusing upon the skull as somehow the meaning of consciousness or of Spirit, represents a strange self-contradiction, since it involves a conscious being asserting to another conscious being that all they really are as such are their bones, or Things in the form of mere being.  This is the workings of a crude instinct of Reason, which is, however, opposed by another instinct of Reason.

At this point, Reason recognizes that it must make a further effort, but this is one that involves a recognition of its own mistaken direction so far.  In this portion of the work, Hegel outlines a triadic process moving from the earlier in-itself to an estrangement or alienation (Entfremdung) to a reconciliation, a return from opposition to something higher.  There is, however, the possibility of being locked or stuck in an oscillation between the two first parts.

In this video series, I will be working through the entire Phenomenology, paragraph by paragraph -- for each one, first reading the paragraph, and then commenting on what Hegel is doing, referencing, discussing, etc. in that paragraph.  

This series is designed to provide an innovative digital resource that will assist students, lifelong learners, professionals, and even other philosophers in studying this classic work by Hegel for generations to come. 

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