Perfection and Becoming: A Study of the Metaphysical Core of Hegel's Aesthetics

In Hegel’s aesthetics, the element of speculative philosophy is always a notorious aspect that attracts the most complaints from modern art criticism. The book, however, justifies the intelligibility in art in light of Hegel’s philosophy of metaphysics.

The author explores the philosophical motivations of Hegelian aesthetics, its underlying logic, the relationship between metaphysical core and artistic expression, as well as the contemporary significance and value of metaphysicalised theories of art exemplified by Hegelian aesthetics. Through elucidating the metaphysical core implicit in Hegel’s lectures on aesthetics, this book proves that the philosophical considerations of Absolute Idealism bring to art the spiritual seriousness which the Romantics lack. Ultimately, this approach reveals the broad consensus which both Hegel’s aesthetics and modern philosophical hermeneutics share, thus bridging the gap between ancient and the modern philosophy of art.

The book will appeal to scholars and students studying classical German philosophy, German Romantic literature criticism, and modern art theory.

Changjiang Xing teaches at the Department of Philosophy, Xiangtan University, China, with research interests in classical German philosophy, metaphysics, and aesthetics.