"While alerting students to the wide range of controversies regarding almost any topic in Hegel's complex
masterpiece, Stern charts a clear and interesting course through Hegel's text, highlighting important methodological
and thematic continuities universal, particular, and individual aspects. Stern's interpretation is distinctive,
and yet accessible, useful, and stimulating for students and professionals alike. He quotes and clarifies a good
selection of passages which would otherwise puzzle students. His bibliography provides useful references for both
beginning and advanced students. Recent Hegel scholarship has made significant advances. In this context, Stern's
new introduction is very welcome indeed."
--Kenneth R. Westphal, University of East Anglia
Publisher Web Site, March, 2003
Summary
The Phenomenology of Spirit is Hegel's most important and famous work. It is essential to understanding Hegel's
philosophical system and why he remains a major figure in western philosophy. Stern offers a clear and accessible
introduction to what is undoubtedly one of the most complex books in the history of philosophy.
Table of Contents
Preface and acknowledgements
Introduction
1. The Phenomenology in context
The place of the Phenomenology in Hegel's life and works
Hegel's system
The role of the Phenomenology
The Preface and the Introduction
2. The Dialectic of the Object
Sense-certainty
Perception
Force and Understanding
The transition to Self-Consciousness
3. The dialectic of the Subject
Mastership and Servitude
Stoicism, Scepticism and the Unhappy Consciousness
4. The Dialectic of the Reason
Rationalism and Idealism
Observing Reason
Active Reason
Practical Reason
5. The dialectic of Spirit
True Spirit:Ethical Life
Self-Alienated Spirit:Culture
Spirit that is Certain Of Itself:Morality
6.The dialectic of Religion
Natural Religion
Religion in the Form of Art
The Revealed Religion
