The idea of Hegel's Science of logic /

Forty years after first arguing for the central importance of the Science of Logic in understanding Hegel (G. W. F. Hegel: An Introduction to the Science of Wisdom, 1974), Rosen (Boston Univ.) returns with a commentary on that work. Although this new book follows the structure of a standard commentary, Rosen's purpose is not merely to articulate the sections and transitions of the text but to think through the philosophical problems that motivate Hegel's arguments. Rosen takes Hegel's central project to consist not only of overcoming dualism, but also of developing a novel rationalism that overcomes the split between dualism and monism. Thus, Rosen is particularly concerned to situate Hegel's arguments in the context of the history of Western philosophy going back to the Greeks. Providing this context enables Rosen to provide remarkably clear, jargon-free explanations of some of the most obscure language of Hegel's text. He is less concerned with engaging the arguments of contemporary scholars of the Science of Logic, and makes little reference to these, with fewer than 70 endnotes in a book of over 500 pages. This volume will be of enduring interest to students and scholars seeking a lucid companion to Hegel's most difficult work. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through researchers/faculty. J. A. Gauthier University of Portland