Phenomenology of Spirit

By: G. W. F. Hegel, A. V. Miller - translator, J. N. Findlay

Narrated by: David DeVries

Perhaps one of the most revolutionary works of philosophy ever presented, The Phenomenology of Spirit is Hegel's 1807 work that is in numerous ways extraordinary. It begins with a Preface, created after the rest of the manuscript was completed, that explains the core of his method and what sets it apart from any preceding philosophy. The Introduction, written before the rest of the work, summarizes and completes Kant's ideas on skepticism by rendering it moot and encouraging idealism and self-realization. The body of the work is divided into six sections of varying length, entitled "Consciousness", "Self-Consciousness", "Reason", "Spirit", "Religion", and "Absolute Knowledge". A myriad of topics are discussed, and explained in such a harmoniously complex way that the method has been termed Hegelian dialectic. Ultimately, the work as a whole is a remarkable study of the mind's growth from its direct awareness to scientific philosophy, proving to be a difficult yet highly influential and enduring work.

©1977 Oxford University Press (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Huge thought that defies gap of ages.

The translater give a explanation to each paragraph. That does not mean full of understanding can be given by that explanation, but it's more worthy to pay it.

The voice is really hard to listen to

The narrator- bless his heart- is so annoying. They should do a voice clone on this one asap because his diction is very good but his tone is sooo grating. Clone it with the guy who does Being and Time, please!

Impenetrable

What did you like best about Phenomenology of Spirit? What did you like least?

I waited and waited for this one, and pre-ordered it. My favorite thing was that it was coming. What I like least is that it finally came.

Would you recommend Phenomenology of Spirit to your friends? Why or why not?

I would not. The subject matter is too difficult for listening. The book itself must be read an re-read to be understood.

How could the performance have been better?

Less sing-songy. He is not a bad performer, but the subject matter doesn't lend itself to his style. Actually, I don't think it lends itself to anyone's style. It's not his fault. I can't imagine what he was thinking as he read it. To make the audiobook better, every sentence needs to be read 3 times in a row.

Was Phenomenology of Spirit worth the listening time?

No. You need the book.

Any additional comments?

Hegel is notoriously difficult to read. It turns out that he's even worse in audioboook form. With a book, you can read the same sentence over and over. But in audiobook form, you can't kick back and listen to this. You would have to actively hit that rewind button.

Basically: complete the system of German Idealism

Wow, let me tell you, I thought knowledge was simply an absolute, but now with this incredible self help book, the ego faces nature it’s foil, and thus part of itself. Now I’m a big fan of the Notion, let me tell you, because it’s like, duh! Of course, but then you have to see what essence it is representing! Selfishness transcends evil, 5 stars!

Great!

Hegel's ideas and theories were far from simple. He loved to explain things in long, complex ways but this audiobook is well narrated by David DeVries and his clear voice allows one to listen as if Hegel himself is reading to you.