The lecture manuscript on the philosophy of nature and philosophy of spirit from the years 1805/06 represents the latest of the three surviving system drafts from Hegel’s Jena period. Regarding the philosophy of nature, the text of this lecture stands out because it is the first to have a systematic structure that closely resembles the one in the section on the philosophy of nature in the Encyclopedia of 1817. Concerning the philosophy of spirit, the 1805/06 text documents the final stage of the reworking of the philosophy of ethical life into a theory of consciousness, a process that took place during the Jena years.
This volume presents Hegel’s manuscript fragments on Natural Philosophy and the Philosophy of Spirit, drawn from his 1805/06 lectures. These texts represent a crucial stage in Hegel’s intellectual development, as they outline his system of nature and spirit.
The Natural Philosophy section covers a wide range of topics, beginning with the fundamental concepts of Mechanics, such as the nature of space, time, and motion, and the reality of these concepts as they relate to the material world. It proceeds to examine the formation and chemistry of the physical world, including the processes that govern matter and energy, and then extends to the organic world, discussing both vegetable and animal organisms. Key themes explored in this section are the processes of becoming and the interrelations of matter, energy, and life.
The Philosophy of Spirit section begins with the concept of Spirit, focusing on its nature and development through intelligence and will. It then transitions to Actual Spirit, exploring themes such as recognition, contract, crime and punishment, and the power of law. The final part of this section discusses the constitution of spirit, touching upon the nature of the social world, including the lower estates, general estates, and the role of art, religion, and science in the unfolding of spirit.
Included in the appendices are additional fragments, outlines, and notes related to both natural philosophy and the organic process, offering further insights into Hegel’s philosophical system. An editorial report and a detailed chronology of Hegel’s manuscripts help to contextualize these writings within his broader philosophical project.
Simon Gros 
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