Contradictions of the reconciliation with contradiction

Abstract

The essay is a review of Bartosz Wojcik’s book titled Wojna i Motłoch. Sprzeczności nowoczesne w filozofii Hegla. Firstly, it presents the theoretical frame, which Wojcik uses to interpret Hegelian thought. The argument reveals some inconsistencies in the application of this framework as well as insufficient elaboration of its premises. In addition to a speculative exercise binding together the a) dialectical principle of identity and non-identity with b) what is conscious and unconscious in Hegel’s thought, and c) with the logic of the object (Logic) versus the logic of consciousness (Phenomenology), the question of the practical potential of both Hegel’s theory and its interpretation is addressed. In spite of some objections that can be addressed to the author of the book in this regard, any failures of his theoretical approach should be regarded as unconscious triumphs. Wojcik’s main idea on the reading of Hegel is so inspiring and convincing that it makes it impossible not to apply it to its author himself. And this is the best evidence of the merits of the reviewed book.