HEGEL’S ONTOLOGICAL THINKING IN THE WAKE OF KANT

Date

2025-3-27

Author

Günay, Serkan

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This study examines Hegel’s ontological thinking in response to Kant’s critical philosophy. It begins with an examination of Hegel’s critique of Kant’s theoretical philosophy. I argue that this comprehensive critique overcomes the limitations of transcendental idealism and opens the possibility for a post-critical ontology. The next step is an exploration of Hegel’s Science of Logic as a presuppositionless project, examining its ontological character in conjunction with the problem of beginning and method. The study then turns to the Doctrine of Being, where the initial movement unfolds through the dialectic of being, nothing, and becoming. From determinate being to infinity, fundamental ontological categories such as reality, something, other, limit, finitude are examined through their logical movement. I argue that by the end of this process, the true infinite assumes a central role in Hegel’s thought. The study proceeds to undertake an inquiry into the Doctrine of Essence. Hegel’s conceptualization of essence as negativity and mediation is analyzed in its contrast to the immediacy of illusory being. I focus then on the concept of reflection as the negative movement of essence. Following the three forms of reflection (positing, external, determining), identity, difference and contradiction emerge as determinations of reflection. It is argued here that Hegel challenges the conventional understanding of these logical principles from an ontological standpoint. Finally, the study moves on to an examination of the ground and actuality, which serve to overcome the dualism of being and essence and thus provide Hegel’s transition to the Concept.

Subject Keywords

Ontology, Dialectic, Hegel, Logic, Kant.

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11511/114052

Collections

Graduate School of Social Sciences, Thesis