Do we need a Scientific Hegelian philosophy?

[jacobin1949]

Is it not clear that what Marxists need is a scientific Hegelian philosophy that takes the entire system of Hegel's Logic and applies Scientific Materialist ideas to it. In this way the Hegelian-Marxist system of Dialectics can at last create the synthesis of science and philosophy. Much of this was done through the works of Marx, Lenin and Mao. However the Dialectics still does not complete the circle that Hegel created in the Logic. By creating this philosophy Marxists will possess a powerful new weapon that will aid greatly in international progress. We will also be able to understand the historical period of 1917-2001 with new insight, instead of having Dialectic history end in 1917.

[Rosa Lichtenstein]

Why are you still trying to sell this useless, mystical -- and now discredited -- theory?

[jacobin1949]

How can it be discredited when it does not yet exist? The idea of Scientific Hegelianism would be to combine the completeness of the Hegelian Encyclopedia with the scientific outlook of Materialist Dialectics.

[Rosa Lichtenstein]

Discredited?

Anything derived from Hegel is discredited.

[gilhyle]

As critically important as your website no doubt is, Rosa, to all humanity your influence has not yet quite discredited Hegel in the eyes of everyone interested in philosophical issues.

As to Jacobin's view, there is a germ of truth in it, but the title of scientific hegelianism seems highly problematic to me. Firstly, its not a matter of being 'scientific'. the kind of use that can be made of dialectical thinking is precisely NOT scientific. It is a matter of devising a critical practice that will support revolutionary poltiics - it is not a matter of either participating in the commodified practice of science in capitalist society or the utopian project of developing an alternative practice of science without sufficient material foundation.

The second problem is what contribution such a critical practice can make to revolutionary politics. It isnt clear what good it can do. dialectics is primarily a post-factum gloss, whether it can really improve the quality of revolutionary theory is an open question - I have my doubts.

[Rosa Lichtenstein]

Gil:



As critically important as your website no doubt is, Rosa, to all humanity your influence has not yet quite discredited Hegel in the eyes of everyone interested in philosophical issues.



Well, your 'defense' of this ruling-class hack has so far been somewhat pathetic, so I rather think this is just you whistling in the dark.

[gilhyle]

You wish

[Rosa Lichtenstein]

Gil:


You wish


No, you whistle.

Can't you read?

[Os Cangaceiros]

Is it not clear that what Marxists need is a scientific Hegelian philosophy that takes the entire system of Hegel's Logic and applies Scientific Materialist ideas to it. In this way the Hegelian-Marxist system of Dialectics can at last create the synthesis of science and philosophy. Much of this was done through the works of Marx, Lenin and Mao. However the Dialectics still does not complete the circle that Hegel created in the Logic. By creating this philosophy Marxists will possess a powerful new weapon that will aid greatly in international progress. We will also be able to understand the historical period of 1917-2001 with new insight, instead of having Dialectic history end in 1917.

There really isn't anything "scientific" about dialectics.

[gilhyle]

There really isn't anything "scientific" about dialectics.

Quite right

[Rosa Lichtenstein]

Or truthful, or useful, or logical, or sane...