I propose a new reading of Hegel’s discussion of modality in the ‘Actuality’ chapter of the Science of Logic. On this reading, the main purpose of the chapter is a critical engagement with Spinoza’s modal metaphysics. Hegel first reconstructs a rationalist line of thought — corresponding to the cosmological argument for the existence of God — that ultimately leads to Spinozist necessitarianism. He then presents a reductio argument against necessitarianism, contending that as a consequence of necessitarianism, no adequate explanatory accounts (...) of facts about finite reality can be given. (shrink)

An interpretation of Hegel's Philosophy of Subjective Spirit showing its continued relevance to contemporary issues in the philosophy of mind.

La Ciencia de la Lógica de Hegel contiene una refutación del sistema de Spinoza de cuya correcta comprensión depende el buen entendimiento del punto de vista general filosófico del idealismo hegeliano. Se señala aquí esa importancia, dónde debe buscarse la refutación en la obra y en qué sentido es de carácter lógico. Asimismo, se discuten algunas interpretaciones relativamente recientes de muchos de los pasajes decisivos, porque han fomentado confusiones sobre el modo –que verdaderamente no es el de Kant ni el (...) de Fichte– en que Hegel se opone al spinozismo. (shrink)

The present article tries to show the originality of Lukács’s theory of Actuality (Wirklichkeit) by comparing it with the same notion in Hegel’s Logic. It results that Lukács’s interpretation of Marxism and the Russian Revolution depends on a clear and independent theoretical position with regard to Hegel and his Idealistic theory of Modality. Particular importance is given to the new conception of the Dialectical interplay between the notions of Objective Possibility and Historical Necessity.