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An Introduction to Hegel's Logic (Hackett Classics Series)

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This is a remarkable piece of philosophical exegesis. In a mere 124 pages, Hartnack explicates the arguments of the Science of Logic. What is particularly interesting is that the Danish author is apparently trained in analytic philosophy, which is notoriously hostile to Hegel and all things Continental. Hartnack makes many references to philosophers such as Strawson, Wittgenstein, Russell, Carnap, and Frege. This is not a mere matter of saying "here's the Analytic Hegel." These references are used conservatively, and only to bring clarity to Hegel's own text. This is not a book that contains the next great "reading" of Hegel a la Kojeve or Hyppolite. But it is perhaps the book that one should seek out if he or she wishes to achieve a nuts and bolts understanding of what is perhaps the most difficult work in the history of philosophy.

Like all of Hartnack's expositions of the idealists, this is a clearly written, easy-to-follow introduction to a difficult philosophy text. It
is highly recommended.

I just wanted to recommend this book to anyone embarking on taking on Hegel's Logic. Beware, though, the book, despite being an introduction, is challenging and demands slow, concentrated reading (this is also due in part to its condensed nature; a mere 124 pages covering each and every section of the Logic). This is no fault of Hartnack; The Science of Logic demands nothing less. Hartnack, in fact, provides the gist of Hegel's arguments in an exceptionally clear form. His "analytic" orientation doesn't matter much to me, nor should it pose a problem for you; if the arguments provided are sound, they're sound. The book holds rewards for the engaged reader on almost every page. Another observation I'd like to make is that the book is designed, in my judgment, for a reader already familiar with some basic concepts in philosophy (think upper-undergraduate level), though I think that a reader below that level may also find it useful with enough effort. In sum, I'd use this book as a steroid supplement before entering the ring and facing the beast itself.

Hartnack takes the first of the three sides of logical doctrine and explains it in detail. This is the logical starting point of "understanding". He will take you from "pure being" all the way to collapsing the absolute actualities into "grounded determinates". Dudley is better on explaining "syllogism", but still good presentation here. The book ends with "thematization which transitions the reader into ethics, as it should. 124 detailed pages that can be easily understood. Probably grad level but undergrad for your better students. Highly recommended.

I've read a few introductions to the Logic and Hartnack's is by far the clearest without sacrificing too much depth. While I doubt this book will be of much aid to a person who knows little philosophy, if you are familiar with Hegel and German philosophy, this is a wonderful introduction and guide to a very difficult text. An achievement!