Dialectics, the Algebra of Revolution:
An Examination of Hegel's Logic
Alex Steinberg
Tuesdays, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
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.
Readings will include Hegel's Encyclopedia Logic, supplemented with
selections from Engels' Dialectics of Nature and essays by contemporary
philosophers, artists, social theorists and philosophers.
Theodore F.
Geraets' translation of the Encyclopedia Logic is recommended.
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 Brooklyn and author of several essays, including "The Case of Martin
Heidegger." He has also served as a member of the WBAI Local Station Board
(2004) and as Chairperson of the WBAI LSB Programming Committee.