Embark on a journey through the intricate corridors of human thought with Hegel Werke. This monumental twenty-volume edition, meticulously compiled by Eva Moldenhauer and Karl Markus Michel, stands as a beacon of enlightenment in the vast landscape of philosophical literature. Spanning over 11,000 pages, this comprehensive collection presents an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the mind of one of the most influential thinkers in the history of philosophy.
At the heart of this magnum opus lies Hegel’s seminal work, the Phänomenologie des Geistes (Phenomenology of Spirit). In Band 3, readers are invited to navigate the labyrinthine depths of consciousness, tracing the evolution of self-awareness and the dialectical process of Spirit’s self-realization. From the tumultuous journey of sense-certainty to the sublime heights of absolute knowing, Hegel’s phenomenology unveils the intricate dance of subject and object, consciousness and reality.
But the journey does not end there. Bands 5 and 6 offer a rigorous exploration of Hegel’s ground-breaking Wissenschaft der Logik (Science of Logic). Here, amidst the intricate web of categories and concepts, Hegel constructs a systematic framework for understanding the nature of reality itself. Through the dialectical movement of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis, he unveils the dynamic process by which thought unfolds and reality reveals its inner logic.
Venturing further into Hegel’s corpus, readers encounter Band 7, where the Grundlinien der Philosophie des Rechts (Elements of the Philosophy of Right) beckon with profound insights into the nature of justice, freedom, and the ethical life. In this seminal work, Hegel grapples with the complexities of moral and political philosophy, laying the groundwork for his vision of a rational state grounded in ethical principles.
The journey continues with Bands 8 through 10, encompassing Hegel’s monumental Enzyklopädie der philosophischen Wissenschaften (Encyclopedia of the Philosophical Sciences). Here, Hegel presents a comprehensive synthesis of his philosophical system, weaving together metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics into a unified whole. From the science of logic to the philosophy of nature and spirit, Hegel’s encyclopedia offers a panoramic view of the entire spectrum of human knowledge.
But Hegel’s vision extends far beyond the confines of abstract speculation. In Bands 12 through 20, readers are treated to a series of illuminating lectures on the history of philosophy, aesthetics, religion, and the philosophy of history. From the grand sweep of historical progress to the sublime beauty of art and religion, Hegel’s lectures offer profound insights into the rich tapestry of human culture and civilization.
Hegel Werke is more than just a collection of philosophical texts—it is a gateway to a world of ideas, a testament to the enduring power of human reason and imagination. As readers journey through these volumes, they are invited to engage in a dialogue with one of the greatest minds in the history of philosophy, grappling with timeless questions and seeking answers that resonate across the ages. So open these pages, dear reader, and embark on a voyage of discovery that will expand your mind, challenge your assumptions, and illuminate the path to truth and wisdom.
Simon Gros 
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