The Formalization of Dialectics

This book explores the relationship between Hegel’s dialectics and formal logic. It examines the concept of dialectics, its meaning, and its use in contemporary thought. The volume opens the “old” debate about the formalization of Hegel’s dialectics and is motivated by the idea that asking about the connection between Hegel’s dialectics and formal logic is still relevant, for various reasons: Firstly, a new Hegel is circulating nowadays in the philosophical literature, with specific reference to Hegel’s dialectical logic and its relation to the history and philosophy of logic. Secondly, new research about the connection between contradictory logical systems and Hegel's dialectics is also being developed. Finally, there have been recent confirmations that the concept of dialectics is of general interest, and that the usual perplexities about the Hegelian triadic and fairly mechanic device of ‘yes, not, and not not’ are in remission. The chapters feature philosophically and historically motivated presentations of formal features of Hegel’s dialectics, critical considerations about the very idea of ‘formalizing dialectics’ and presentations of past attempts to formalize Hegel’s dialectics. The Formalization of Dialectics will be a key resource for scholars and researchers of the history and philosophy of logic and Hegel’s dialectics. It will also be of interest to anyone who wants to know more about the concept of dialectics, its meaning and its use in contemporary thought. This book was originally published as a special issue of History and Philosophy of Logic.