Abstract

This study is an analysis and interpretation of § 377, with which Hegel opens, in the second and the third edition of his Encyclopedia, his philosophy of spirit. By comparing this text with earlier fragments of an introduction to the philosophy of spirit, which are also analysed and interpreted, this article is at the same time a contribution to the genetic study of Hegel's system. Although the interpretation presented here tries to explain every detail of § 377, particular stress is put upon 1) the radical unity of true selfknowledge and the knowledge of the Absolute, and 2) the logical structure of Hegel's thought as expressed in the analysed texts