The Pilgrimage of Truth Through Time : The Conception of the History of Philosophy in G.W.F. Hegel

Abstract

An intimation that a very special relationship must obtain between philosophy and its own history has long haunted western thought. Equally persistent has been the premonition that the exploration of this relationship must have a profound effect, not on the historiography of philosophy alone, but on the idea of philosophy itself as well. Hegel makes vocal and brings into focus intimation and premonition alike when he writes: “… the history of philosophy because of the special nature of its subject matter (i.e. philosophy itself), is different from other histories”,^*1 In what way is the history of philosophy different, in what way is this difference determined by the nature of philosophy and in what way does this difference, in turn, affect philosophy? This is the essential theme.