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Single Idea 22780

[from 'Elements of the Philosophy of Right' by Georg W.F.Hegel, in 13. Knowledge Criteria / D. Scepticism / 6. Scepticism Critique ]

Full Idea

The assertion that human beings cannot know the truth, but have to do only with appearances …deprives the spirit of intellectual dignity.

Gist of Idea

It is a rejection of intellectual dignity to say that we cannot know the truth

Source

Georg W.F.Hegel (Elements of the Philosophy of Right [1821], 132)

Book Reference

Hegel,Georg W.F.: 'Elements of the Philosophy of Right', ed/tr. Wood,Allen W. [CUP 1991], p.159


A Reaction

It is a relief to find Hegel making this assertion. His later followers seem to have slid into an extreme cultural relativism. I'm not sure that 'intellectual dignity' is a very secure foundation for his claim.