What is hegel's solution to the problem of how on begins a philosophy?

Question

What is hegel's solution to the problem of how on begins a philosophy?

Answer 1

Hegel seems to discuss this at length in the preface to his 'Philosophy of Right' (link below).

He credits Plato with coming up with what he considers the cornerstone of philosophical thought which is, "What is rational is real; and what is real is rational."  He adds, "To apprehend what -IS- is the task of philosophy, because what is is reason."

He also acknowledge that each of us is mired in our own times and our own viewpoints, and sees part of the task of philosophy as picking eternal effects out of those specific circumstances we find ourselves in and those which others have found themselves in.  He advocates a scientific and logical treatment, but expects that the lenses through which we see all else will tend to doom such an effort ("It is just as foolish to fancy that any philosophy can transcend its present world, as that an individual could leap out of his time or jump over Rhodes.").

Finally (actually earlier in the section) he suggests that a lot of what people are actually seeking to do is not to be TOLD what is, because that is unsatisfying.  They want to find their way there.  They want to be led to the conclusions or discover them themselves.  Being able to make the journey is the pleasing part, not just where you happen to arrive.

Answer 2

ON does not begin a philosophy. On is the label on a light switch.