Hegel’s Metaphysics and the Problem of Contradiction

Abstract

This is a Brazilian Portuguese translation of Robert B. Pippin’s paper “Hegel’s Metaphysics and the Problem of Contradiction.” The translation is introduced by a discussion that situates Pippin’s contribution within the debate over Hegel’s doctrine of contradiction. It also mentions the historical specificity of non-metaphysical interpretations of Hegel. Finally, it points to the possible implications of Pippin’s interpretation for assessing other uses of the dialectical notion of contradiction, particularly Marx’s. Pippin’s key thesis is that Hegel’s doctrine of contradiction should be read as a response to two metaphysical problems: identity across change and the relation between essence and appearance. Pippin argues that determining what a thing essentially is requires understanding its identity through determinations that are neither identical to it nor indifferent to it. Hegelian contradiction is an answer to the requirement to establish an identity between subject and predicate that is not merely tautological, without thereby presupposing an essence independent of its manifestations. Essence must be understood as the very movement of reflection of appearances.