In this book, you will discover the deep connection between the concepts of assimilation and consumption in Hegels philosophy. Tracing their development across Hegels systemfrom the Logic and Philosophy of Nature to the Phenomenology of Spirit and Philosophy of Rightthe book shows that consumption is a fully actualized form of assimilation. It argues that consumption is not merely a social practice, but is rooted in ontological and normative structures, revealing consumption as a way of culturally assimilating nature and shaping modern ethical life.
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
Introduction
1 The Torture of Tantalus: the Logical Structure of Assimilation
Introduction
1The Logical Life: Judgment and Genus from a Logical Point of View
2The Life-Process in Hegels Logic
3The Logic of Assimilation
Concluding Remarks
2 The Nature of Hunger: Assimilation in the Philosophy of Organic Nature
Introduction
1The Philosophy of Organic Nature: The Animal as Subject
2The Systematic Place of Assimilation in the Philosophy of Organic Nature
3The Theoretical Process, the Practical Process and the Formative Drive
Concluding Remarks
3 The Idealism of Desire: Consumption in
Chapter IV of the Phenomenology of
Spirit
Introduction
1Self-Consciousness and Life: the Animals Idealist Wisdom
2The Desire of Self-Consciousness
3From Real Assimilation to Formal Assimilation: from Consumption to Work
Concluding Remarks
4 Between Diogenes and Marie Antoinette: Consumption in Civil Society
Introduction
1Human Needs and the Mediation of Work
2Assimilation in Consumption
3Culture and the Principle of Recognition in Fashion
4The Liberation of Natural Necessity and the Ambivalence of Luxury
5The Human/Animal Difference: the Multiplication of Human Needs
6The Division and Mechanization of Labor
7Universal Resources and the Police
8The Extremes of Consumption: the Rise of the Rabble
9Recognition and Estate Honor: the Corporation
10Recognition and Consumption
Concluding Remarks
Conclusion
1Some Ethical Consequences
2Coda: the Ultimate Assimilation
References
Index
Eduardo Assalone, Ph.D., is a researcher at CONICET and a professor at the National University of Mar del Plata. His work explores Hegels social and political philosophy, with a focus on recognition and modern ethical life.
