In this paper, I propose that Hegel and Frege are more alike than currently thought. As Hegel and Frege are the founding fathers of the continental and analytic cultures of philosophy respectively, the salient argument of this paper is that the two cultures are, likewise, more alike than thought. I compare Hegel's first publication, often called Differenzschrift, to Frege's later works on the philosophy of language, Funktion und Begriff and Über Sinn und Bedeutung. I argue that in explicating the cognitive difference expressed by the concept of identity, Hegel develops a theory of pragmatics and semantics that has several similarities to the Mediated Reference Theory proposed by Frege. In doing so, I present an analytic account of Hegel's Absolute Identity determined by the equality of the co-domains produced by two compound functions. These functions are composed of semantic, pragmatic and epistemic constraints that evaluate the ontic content of a proposition.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- §1 Hegel of the Differenzschrift
- §1.1 Some Initial Terminology - Reason, Intellect, Speculation, Reflection
- §1.2 Translation of Key Terms
- §1.3 Qualms with Kant
- §1.4 Fuss with Fichte
- §1.5 Historicism – The Eternal and the Idiosyncratic in Philosophy
- §1.6 The Necessity/Need of Philosophy - The Dichotomy and its Suspension
- §1.7 Reflection as an Instrument for Philosophy
- §1.7.1 Reflection of Reason
- §1.7.2 Reflection of the Intellect for Reason I
- §1.7.3 The Failure of Reflection of the Intellect without Reason
- §1.7.4 Reflection of the Intellect for Reason II
- §1.7.5 Conclusion of Reflection as an Instrument for Philosophy
- §1.8 Relation of Speculation to Common Sense
- §1.9 Summary of sections 1.1 – 1.8
- §1.10 Principle of a Philosophy in the Form of an Absolute Basic Proposition
- §1.11 The Absolute Identity
- §2 Frege
- §2.1 Funktion und Begriff
- §2.2 Über Sinn und Bedeutung
- §2.3 Conclusion
- §3 Fregel
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The paper aims to demonstrate a closer relationship between the philosophies of Hegel and Frege than is commonly acknowledged. By comparing Hegel's Differenzschrift with Frege's later works on language, the author seeks to highlight unexpected similarities in their approaches to identity and meaning. This comparison is intended to bridge the perceived gap between continental and analytic philosophical traditions.
- The nature of identity and its cognitive implications.
- A comparison of Hegel's and Frege's theories of language and meaning.
- The relationship between pragmatics, semantics, and epistemology in philosophical inquiry.
- An analytic interpretation of Hegel's concept of Absolute Identity.
- The contrasting philosophical approaches of Hegel and Frege, and their respective traditions.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
§1 Hegel of the Differenzschrift: This chapter delves into Hegel's Differenzschrift, focusing on key terms like Reason, Intellect, Speculation, and Reflection. The author meticulously unpacks Hegel's arguments against grounding philosophy solely in logic, as advocated by Reinhold and Bardili. He contrasts the Intellect's mode of Reflection (delineating knowledge) with Reason's Speculation (unifying knowledge), highlighting the central role of these concepts in Hegel's philosophical system. The chapter also discusses the translation of key German terms, notably Aufhebung (suspended) and entgegensetzen (juxtapose), emphasizing the nuanced meanings crucial for understanding Hegel's thought. The author analyzes Hegel's approach to philosophy as a narrative unfolding over the course of the Differenzschrift, rather than a series of detached arguments. The analysis focuses on the development of Hegel's concepts, illustrating how their meanings and significance evolve within the text itself. The significance of this approach lies in its attempt to understand Hegel's philosophy on its own terms rather than imposing a different framework of interpretation.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Hegel, Frege, Identity, Analytic Philosophy, Continental Philosophy, Pragmatics, Semantics, Differenzschrift, Über Sinn und Bedeutung, Absolute Identity, Dialectic, Speculation, Reference Theory.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this text?
This text provides a comprehensive preview of a scholarly work comparing the philosophies of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel and Gottlob Frege, focusing on their respective approaches to identity and meaning. It aims to bridge the perceived gap between continental and analytic philosophical traditions by highlighting unexpected similarities in their thought.
What specific works of Hegel and Frege are discussed?
The text primarily focuses on Hegel's Differenzschrift and Frege's Über Sinn und Bedeutung. The analysis explores key concepts from these works to draw comparisons and highlight similarities in their approaches to philosophy.
What are the key themes explored in the text?
Key themes include the nature of identity and its cognitive implications; a comparison of Hegel's and Frege's theories of language and meaning; the relationship between pragmatics, semantics, and epistemology; an analytic interpretation of Hegel's concept of Absolute Identity; and a comparative analysis of Hegel's and Frege's contrasting philosophical approaches and their respective traditions.
What is the structure of the text's analysis of Hegel's Differenzschrift?
The analysis of Hegel's Differenzschrift delves into key terms like Reason, Intellect, Speculation, and Reflection. It unpacks Hegel's arguments against grounding philosophy solely in logic, contrasting the Intellect's Reflection with Reason's Speculation. The analysis includes a discussion of the translation of key German terms and examines Hegel's approach to philosophy as a narrative unfolding within the text itself.
What is the purpose of comparing Hegel and Frege?
The purpose is to demonstrate a closer relationship between the philosophies of Hegel and Frege than is commonly acknowledged. The comparison seeks to highlight unexpected similarities in their approaches to identity and meaning, thereby bridging the perceived gap between continental and analytic philosophical traditions.
What are some of the key concepts discussed in the context of Hegel's philosophy?
Key Hegelian concepts explored include Reason, Intellect, Speculation, Reflection, Aufhebung (sublation/suspension), and entgegensetzen (juxtaposition). The text emphasizes the nuanced meanings of these terms and their evolution within the Differenzschrift.
What is the significance of the text's approach to interpreting Hegel?
The text's approach emphasizes understanding Hegel's philosophy on its own terms, avoiding the imposition of external frameworks of interpretation. It focuses on the development of Hegel's concepts and how their meanings evolve within the Differenzschrift itself.
What are the keywords associated with this text?
Keywords include Hegel, Frege, Identity, Analytic Philosophy, Continental Philosophy, Pragmatics, Semantics, Differenzschrift, Über Sinn und Bedeutung, Absolute Identity, Dialectic, Speculation, and Reference Theory.
What does the Table of Contents reveal about the structure of the work?
The Table of Contents shows a structured approach, starting with a detailed breakdown of Hegel's Differenzschrift, followed by sections on Frege's work, suggesting a comparative analysis across different chapters.
What is included in the Chapter Summaries section?
The Chapter Summaries section provides concise overviews of the main arguments and analyses presented in each chapter, offering a clear understanding of the content and flow of the entire work.
- Quote paper
- John Dorsch (Author), 2012, Fregel. Hegel and Frege, or Toward a Unified Conception of Identity Differenzschrift and Über Sinn und Bedeutung, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/412273
