hegelianism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “hegelianism” mean?
The philosophical system of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, characterized by dialectical reasoning, where ideas and history develop through a process of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis, and where reality is seen as the manifestation of an absolute spirit or idea.
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Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The philosophical system of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, characterized by dialectical reasoning, where ideas and history develop through a process of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis, and where reality is seen as the manifestation of an absolute spirit or idea.
Any thought or intellectual movement that applies or adapts Hegel's dialectical method, particularly the belief that contradictions in thought or reality are resolved in a higher synthesis. Often used more loosely to describe a worldview that sees progress through conflict and resolution, or that emphasizes historical and logical necessity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or pronunciation differences. Usage is almost exclusively confined to academic philosophy contexts in both regions.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes complex, abstract, and often dense philosophical discourse. May carry a slightly pejorative connotation of excessive abstraction or obscurity in non-specialist contexts.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside academic philosophy, history of ideas, or political theory. Frequency is equally negligible in everyday British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “hegelianism” in a Sentence
commit to Hegelianisman adherent of Hegelianismthe core of Hegelianisma critique of Hegelianismdepart from HegelianismVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hegelianism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He attempted to Hegelianise the historical narrative.
- One cannot simply Hegelianise modern physics.
American English
- To Hegelianize American pragmatism is a challenging task.
- The author Hegelianized the entire discussion of freedom.
adverb
British English
- He argued Hegelianly for the necessity of the state.
- The process was viewed Hegelianly, as a synthesis of opposites.
American English
- To think Hegelianly about nature is uncommon.
- She interpreted the text Hegelianly.
adjective
British English
- A deeply Hegelian approach to aesthetics.
- The Hegelian dialectic is central to his thesis.
American English
- She offered a Hegelian reading of the constitution.
- His Hegelian framework shaped the analysis.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Core term in philosophy, history of ideas, political theory, and theology. Used to describe a specific school of thought.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would mark the speaker as highly educated or discussing complex philosophy.
Technical
Used precisely in philosophical discourse to denote Hegel's specific doctrines, methods, and their derivatives.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hegelianism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hegelianism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hegelianism”
- Misspelling as 'Hegeliannism' or 'Hegelism'.
- Using it as a synonym for any complex or contradictory theory.
- Pronouncing the 'g' as soft (like in 'gel') rather than hard /g/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Marxism is a materialist theory that adapted Hegel's dialectical method but rejected his idealist basis. Marx famously claimed to have turned Hegel 'on his head'.
It refers to the process of development where a concept (thesis) generates its opposite (antithesis), leading to a conflict resolved in a higher-level concept (synthesis), which then becomes a new thesis.
Yes, primarily within academic philosophy (especially in Continental philosophy), political theory, theology, and studies of history, where Hegel's ideas on spirit, freedom, and dialectics continue to be debated and developed.
The Absolute is the ultimate, all-encompassing reality or spirit that unfolds and realizes itself through the dialectical processes of nature, history, and human consciousness.
The philosophical system of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, characterized by dialectical reasoning, where ideas and history develop through a process of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis, and where reality is seen as the manifestation of an absolute spirit or idea.
Hegelianism is usually formal, academic in register.
Hegelianism: in British English it is pronounced /heɪˈɡeɪlɪənɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /heɪˈɡeɪliəˌnɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the Hegelian twist”
- “a Hegelian dialectic”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of Hegelianism: 'He(Gel) + alien + ism'. Imagine Hegel as a philosopher whose complex ideas about the 'Absolute' can seem 'alien' to those not versed in his '-ism'.
Conceptual Metaphor
PHILOSOPHY IS A BUILDING ('the edifice of Hegelianism'), HISTORY/THOUGHT IS A JOURNEY WITH CONFLICT ('the dialectical path of Hegelianism').
Practice
Quiz
What is the central methodological concept in Hegelianism?