Description

Hegel argued that history is the progression of reason brought about through confrontation.  So when reason fulfills this promise and humanity becomes fully rational then confrontation – and history itself – will end.  During this process humanity and each person becomes more and more free.

Discussion Questions

• Do you think that society is progressing?  What role, if any, does reasons play in progress?
• Do you think that progress will ever be “completed”?  Is progress inevitable?
• Do you ever think war will ever be just a thing of the past?
• Do you ever think society will ever become fully rational?  Why or why not?
• What would a fully rational society look like?

Keywords: Hegel, history, philosophy, teleology,  war, rationality, human nature, freedom, society, progress