Note 7. To the Subsection “Logic, Nature, and Spirit”
At the end of The Phenomenology of Mind, Hegel stated, “This transforming process is a cycle that returns into itself, a cycle that presup-poses its beginning, and reaches its beginning only at the end.” The Phenomenology of Mind, trans. J. B. Baillie (New York: Harper Torchbooks, 1967), 801.
Concerning the circular nature of Hegel’s philosophy, W. T. Stace explains as follows: “The sphere of absolute spirit ends the Hegelian system. It appears as the final result of all development. In accordance, however, with Hegelian principles, it is also the absolute foundation, the beginning. Thus the end of philosophy is also the beginning. This is what Hegel means when he says that philosophy is a circle which returns into itself. Here at the end of the system of philosophy we reach philosophy. If we ask what is this philosophy which we have reached the only answer possible is to begin again at the beginning of the Logic. Thus having reached the end, we must, to explain it, begin again at the beginning. This is the circle of philosophy. The Logic, with which we began, treated of the Idea. Here at the end of the philosophy of spirit we again reach the Idea, the Idea now as actual, existent in the philosophic mind. It is here that the world-process is consummated. ‘The eternal Idea, in full fruition of its essence, eternally sets itself to work, engenders and enjoys itself as absolute mind (spirit)’.” The philosophy of Hegel: A systematic Exposition, 517-518.