Introduction to the Hegel translations

Abstract

In this special issue the editorial aim was to represent the whole spectrum of Hegel’s philosophy within the relatively small scope and size provided. Hegel’s system sprouted from one specific problem, the social effects of religion, but was soon extended to all areas of philosophy ranging from ontology to political philosophy. This issue contains the translations of two texts by Hegel, one on political issues, the other on the philosophy of religion. Other aspects of Hegel’s philosophy are represented by the papers.

The first translation is the so called first Wurttenberg text on political issues: he argues for cautious modernization and reform and against swift, radical democratization in political life. The second text is Hegel’s introduction to Wilhelm Hinrichs’s Die Religion im inneren Verhältnisse zur Wissenschaft (1822) in which Hegel expounds his critique of Schleiermacher. He criticizes Schleiermacher and other romantic theorists of religion who deprive faith of its objective content and system in response to the historical-scientific critique of religion by Enlightenment philosophers.