Dialectics, the Algebra of Revolution:
An
Examination of Hegel's Logic
Alex Steinberg
Tuesdays,
10 Sessions: Feb. 27 - May 8 (no class April 3)
Tuition: $120 - $150, sliding scale
"Dialectics" is one of the most widely used and widely
abused words in the lexicon of left-wing discourse. This series of classes will try to
uncover the real philosophical and scientific content behind this elusive term.
Is dialectics just a form of ritual incantation or pseudoscience? Or is it
truly "The only logic of change to emerge out of the Western
tradition", as one eminent scientist has asserted?
Our investigation of dialectics will be focused on a reading of Hegel's Encyclopedia
Logic. This is the one book wherein Hegel develops the dialectical logic
that has both puzzled and inspired generations. Wherever possible, we will supplement the reading of Hegel with examples
from such varied realms as sociology, politics, art and the natural
sciences.
No previous knowledge of philosophy or logic is expected or required. But this
will not be a superficial summary of what some authors have called the
"principles of dialectics". We will explore at a deep level the
problems inherent in formulating a logic of change and
their proposed solution by Hegel, Marx and Engels, as
well as recent developments in chaos theory, biology and physics.
We will explore the difference between Hegel's version of dialectics and that
of Marx's as well as various attempts by contemporary theorists to employ
elements of the dialectic in their scientific work. We will also examine the
attempts to systematize dialectical logic within the broader framework of logic
by such varied figures as the Soviet philosopher E. V. Ilyenkov, the
Hegelian John Burbidge and the pragmatist philosopher Nicholas Rescher.
Finally, we will discuss the implication of dialectics for developing a
practice aimed at human emancipation. This is the side of dialectics that has
been called "The algebra of revolution" by the 19th century Russian
revolutionary and social theorist, Alexander Herzen;
and this is why Marx said that the dialectic is considered "a
scandal and an abomination" by a conservative bourgeoisie.
Alex Steinberg has taught courses on Hegel’s Phenomenology of
Spirit and Reason in History at the New
SPACE. He is facilitator of a philosophy and literature discussion group
in
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