Hegel’s absolute: A monistic interpretation

Abstract

It is the intention of this thesis to propose a monistic interpretation of Hegel's theological system, and to analyse the mechanics of this structure with particular emphasis on Hegel's use of dialectic and the manner in which the historical, phenomenal world subsists within the monistic framework proposed, Thus, it is a thesis which concentrates largely on interpretation rather than evaluation, and the majority of its critical analysis will focus on alternative understanding's of Hegel’s theology rather than the theology itself. Owing to limitations imposed on the length of the thesis, I have reluctantly had to omit many important aspects of Hegel's theology, most notably the Trinity, creation, and the Fall. I have instead selected issues which I feel most cover the workings of the system, and how these workings effect an immanent deity. Broadly speaking, the thesis moves from an exposition of the triadic structure, to the role and status of the phenomenal world, and it concludes by discussing how Hegel views God’s being vis-a-vis time and history. I have also included a section on Hegel's ontological argument as a means of cementing his theology as a plausible proposition. The majority of primary text material is taken from Hegel's Logic and Lectures on the Philosophy of Religion. In terms of his development, I have therefore tried to confine the exposition to his latter period when in Berlin (c.1824-31), and the translation of the Logic is of the third editon of 1830.