A major and comprehensive study of the philosophy of Hegel, his place in the his
tory of ideas, and his continuing relevance and importance. Professor Taylor rel
ates Hegel to the earlier history of philosophy and, more particularly, to the c
entral intellectual and spiritual issues of his own time. He sees these in terms
of a pervasive tension between the evolving ideals of individuality and self-re
alization on the one hand, and on the other a deeply-felt need to find significa
nce in a wider community.
Charles Taylor engages with Hegel sympathetically,
on Hegel's own terms and, as the the subject demands, in detail. We are made to
grasp the interconnections of the system without being overwhelmed or overawed b
y its technicality. We are shown its importance and its limitations, and are ena
bled to stand back from it.
