Hegel’s Science of Logic is a landmark work that deeply examines the underlying structures of thought and reality. Volume 1, The Objective Logic, is divided into two primary books: The Doctrine of Being and The Doctrine of Essence. This volume introduces Hegel’s systematic philosophy, beginning with a deep inquiry into the most fundamental categories of thought and their logical developments.
The Doctrine of Being explores the nature of existence, moving through three major sections: Determination (Quality), Quantity, and Measure. Hegel begins with the simplest concept, pure Being, and moves dialectically through Nothing and Becoming, leading to increasingly complex notions like Determination, Existence, and Reality. This exploration includes detailed examinations of the qualitative and quantitative aspects of reality, such as the concepts of Limit, Change, Infinity, and the interactions within Being-for-Self. The section on Measure culminates in a sophisticated analysis of how qualities and quantities interact within specific and independent measures, preparing the transition to Essence.
The Doctrine of Essence begins with the claim “Essence is Being,” presenting a shift to a deeper, reflective level where the logical categories delve into the relations and contradictions within reality. Hegel systematically addresses concepts such as Reflection, Ground, Identity, Difference, and Contradiction, dissecting how these lead to foundational logical structures. He explores Appearance as the outward expression of essence, delving into the structures of Law, Thing-in-Itself, and the dynamics between Inner and Outer worlds. This culminates in a discussion on Actuality and Necessity, examining the nature of causality, conditionality, and the intricate relationship between possibility, reality, and necessity.
This critical edition from Gesammelte Werke presents Hegel’s original texts alongside comprehensive annotations, introductions, a bibliography, and an index of historical figures.
Simon Gros 
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