Free activities and events in New York City

Online lecture “Hegel’s Phenomenology of Spirit: A Journey in Eighteen Steps”

Published: December 20, 2023; Aithor: Julia Sonrisa

The Phenomenology of Spirit (1806) stands out as a philosophical work with its distinctive approach. Hegel, aiming to comprehend the complexities of modernity characterized by alienation and disenchantment, outlines a path toward recovery. This journey of consciousness evolves from ignorance to truth, ultimately culminating in what Hegel terms “Absolute Knowing.” The unconventional nature of Phenomenology makes it one of the most notoriously challenging pieces in Western Philosophy. Hegel blends the philosophical currents of his era with heterodox Christian theology, resulting in a revolutionary and demanding work. Its profound insights and emergence at the threshold of our era establish it as a work of unparalleled significance, shaping subsequent intellectual movements such as Existentialism and Marxism.

This series comprises eighteen lectures designed to aid both avid readers and those with a passing interest in grasping Hegel and the Phenomenology of Spirit within its context. The lectures will unfold gradually, dissecting the text step by step. The series kicks off on Thursday, November 2nd, 2023, and continues every Thursday at 6 PM (excluding holidays). Registering for the initial event automatically enrolls you in the entire series. Late registration for the series can be done by emailing andrewfairweather@nypl.org.

Participation does not necessitate reading along, and registration for one event suffices for all sessions.

The structure of the series is as follows:

• Part I: “Alienation” — Preface [§ 1 — § 72] — Thursday, November 2nd @6pm
• Part II: “The Concept” — Preface, cont. [§ 1 — § 72] — Thursday, November 9th @ 6pm
• Part III: “The Dialectic” — Introduction [§ 73 — § 89] — Thursday, November 16th @ 6pm
• Part IV: “Das Meinen” — A. CONSCIOUSNESS, pt. I & II [§ 90 — § 131] — Thursday, November 30th @ 6pm
• Part V: “The Inverted World” — A. CONSCIOUSNESS, pt. III [§ 132 — § 165] — Thursday, December 7th @ 6pm
• Part VI: “Fear of the Lord” — B. SELF-CONSCIOUSNESS, pt. A [§ 166 — § 196] — Thursday, December 14th @ 6pm
• Part VII: “Unhappy Consciousness” — B. SELF-CONSCIOUSNESS, pt.B [§ 197 — § 230] — Thursday, December 28th @ 6pm
• Part VIII: “Urination vs. Generation” — C. (AA) REASON, pt. A. [§ 231 — § 346] — Thursday, January 4th @6pm
• Part IX: “The Madness of Karl Moor” — C. (AA) REASON, pt. B. [§ 347 — § 393] — Thursday, January 11th @ 6pm
• Part X: “Sittlichkeit & Moralität” — C. (AA) REASON, pt. C. [§ 394 — § 436] — Thursday, January 18th @ 6pm
• Part XI: “Antigone Exits Eden” — C. (BB) SPIRIT, pt. A. [§ 437 — § 482] — Thursday, January 25th @ 6pm
• Part XII: “Rameau’s World” — C. (BB) VI. SPIRIT, pt. B., Ia. [§ 483 — § 525] — Thursday, February 1st @ 6pm
• Part XIII: “Terror” — C. (BB) VI. SPIRIT, pt. B., Ib., II & III. [§ 526 — § 595] — Thursday, February 8th @6pm
• Part XIV: “The Beautiful Soul” — C. (BB) VI. SPIRIT, pt. C. [§ 596 — § 671] — Thursday, February 15th @ 6pm
• Part XV: “The Secrets of the Egyptians” — C. (CC) VII. RELIGION, pt. A. [§ 672 — § 698] — Thursday, February 22nd @ 6pm
• Part XVI: “Art and the Fallen World” — C. (CC) VII. RELIGION, pt. B. [§ 699 — § 747] — Thursday, February 29th @ 6pm
• Part XVII: “In Imitation of Christ” — C. (CC) VII. RELIGION, pt. C. [§ 748 — § 787] — Thursday, March 7th @ 6pm
• Part XVIII: “Golgotha: the End of History?” — C. (DD) VIII. ABSOLUTE KNOWLEDGE [§ 788 — § 808] — Thursday, March 14th

This is an online-only program. Reading the material is not necessary for attendance or participation. If you have questions about this program or need help accessing the reading, please email andrewfairweather@nypl.org

You must register with your email address to receive the link to participate. The link will be sent to you by email approximately one day before the discussion. You will need a device with audio and/or video and an internet connection to join.

Time: 6:00-8:00 pm EST

Free!

Registration

Detailed information and discussion of the event.