Abstract

The concept ”cunning of reason’ in Hegel’s philosophy of history continues to raise debates. It is normally understood that reason exercises cunning in history when it utilizes individuals as means to its own realization. But this paper tries to show that the concept ”cunning of reason’ in Hegel’s philosophy of history is not primarily an historical but rather an historical-philosophical concept. Hegel wrote about it chiefly within the context of his practical philosophy and logic, and it can be inferred that he ultimately abandoned its use within his philosophy of history. To make this point clear, this paper will trace and analyze the concept through Hegel’s philosophy in general.