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International Studies in Phenomenology and Philosophy

Book | Chapter

212037

Determinations of reflection

David Gray Carlson

pp. 278-305

Abstract

A Determination of Reflection (Reflexionbestimmung) has a dual structure. It is a positedness, which implies a relation with otherness. It is also an immediacy, which perseveres in impious stubbornness even after it negates its other and hence itself. Because of this double structure, a Determination of Reflection is "infinite return-into-self and "negative simplicity." (409) By now Hegel's meaning should be clear. The True Infinite sends its being elsewhere while remaining what it is. Determinations of Reflection behave in just this way. Being is sent off when Essence announces, "I am not that" but the bad penny of Being infinitely returns. Essence is mediated yet paradoxically simple – a negative non-simple simplicity. Accordingly, a Determination of Reflection "has a positive and negative bearing, each being posited as exclusive, and only implicitly identical with the other." (638)

Publication details

Published in:

Gray Carlson David (2007) A commentary to Hegel's science of logic. Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan.

Pages: 278-305

DOI: 10.1057/9780230598904_12

Full citation:

Gray Carlson David (2007) Determinations of reflection, In: A commentary to Hegel's science of logic, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan, 278–305.