A review by capitalreader4512
Introduction to the Reading of Hegel: Lectures on the Phenomenology of Spirit by Alexandre Kojève, Alexandre Kojeve

3.0

Kojeve's reading of Hegel, despite its influence, is not one which should be taken as a standard to understand Hegel's own thought, rather it is really a reflection of Kojeve's own reflections and thoughts on Hegel as mediated through (a) the influence of Marx (b) the influence of Heidegger and (c) the influence of his own life. The role of the political, the world-historical and an absolute reconciliation with nature and end of philosophy are presented here in ways which are not to be so easily found in Hegel himself. The reading of the Phenomenology given does not focus on immanent developments of 'shapes' of consciousness but instead politico-historical reflection on philosophy. Worth reading for its influence and enjoyable overall, definitely something that can inspire a real interest in Hegel. Kojeve's Stalinism, then liberalism, then bizarre appreciation for Japan are also quite repulsive politically.