more on this theme     |     more from this thinker


Single Idea 21793

[filed under theme 3. Truth / A. Truth Problems / 2. Defining Truth ]

Full Idea

The highest truth, truth as such, is the resolution of the highest opposition and contradiction.

Gist of Idea

Genuine truth is the resolution of the highest contradiction

Source

Georg W.F.Hegel (Lectures on Aesthetics [1826], I: 99), quoted by Stephen Houlgate - An Introduction to Hegel 09 'Art'

Book Ref

Houlgate,Stephen: 'An Introduction to Hegel' [Blackwell 2005], p.211


A Reaction

Uneasy about the word 'highest', and the general Hegelian dream of 'resolving' contradictions, rather than just eliminating at least one component of them. No one else uses the word 'truth' like this. I suppose this Truth has a capital 'T'.


The 9 ideas from 'Lectures on Aesthetics'

Hegel largely ignores aesthetic pleasure, taste and beauty, and focuses on the meaning of artworks [Hegel, by Pinkard]
Natural beauty is unimportant, because it doesn't show human freedom [Hegel, by Pinkard]
For Hegel the importance of art concerns the culture, not the individual [Hegel, by Eldridge]
The purpose of art is to reveal to Spirit its own nature [Hegel, by Davies,S]
The main purpose of art is to express the unity of human life [Hegel]
Nineteenth century aesthetics focused on art rather than nature (thanks to Hegel) [Hegel, by Scruton]
What I hold true must also be part of my feelings and character [Hegel]
Genuine truth is the resolution of the highest contradiction [Hegel]
Art forms a bridge between the sensuous world and the world of pure thought [Hegel]