Introduction

The Phenomenology of Spirit (1807) has long become a philosophical classic, and the three recent English translations of it that appeared almost simultaneously ¹ only confirm the widespread interest in G. W. F. Hegel’s first major published work. However, despite their advantages over previous renderings, the Phenomenology itself remains profoundly difficult and intriguing. Even a quick glance at the original German text suffices to realize that the issue lies not with translation alone: the readers find themselves confronted with a discourse of incomparable suggestive power and complexity that has exerted undeniable and well-documented influence even beyond Hegel studies while generating substantial confusion.