Categorical Descriptions of Essence in the Views of Hegel and Avicenna

Abstract

In the second part of Science of logic, the logic of essence, Hegel discussed categories with common characters. In fact, some of them are explanatory of modes of essence that Avicenna has already paid attention to. Focusing on the truth of being as modes of quiddity or essence, how to unite them in the external world, as well as the negative and reflective mode of essence pave the way to compare the issue with Avicenna's thoughts. There is no doubt that Hegel was influenced by the Aristotelian – theological tradition. Topics such as attribution of existence to the essence and also plurality in essence are the consequences of the essence of negative and reflective mode. On the other hand, Hegel has transformed logic into metaphysics. Therefore, the significance of essence in metaphysics and their exclusion from the logic are common grounds in Avicenna and Hegel's thoughts.

Keywords

• essence
• the sphere of reflection
• negative identity
• particular existence
• secondary concept