Simon Gros

Hegel’s problem of identity is intimately linked to foundational choices concerning all their theological ramifications, of a truly speculative understanding of the principle of identity. In our published or submitted studies, we began to consistently open a set of configuration points for a speculative analysis of the problem of identity in the logic of Essence, especially in the subchapter Determinations of Reflection. The speculative principle of identity is the fundamental point of pure initium of any original mediation, be it meontological or otherwise. Our efforts have focused on the problem of the ontological difference in Hegel because this pure immediacy is the core of Hegel’s metaphysical ontology. Consequently, we found in the tripartite structure of the Science of Logic that culminates with the last part of the Concept, the fundamental reason for which in Hegelian philosophy takes place a transmutation of the center of gravity from Being to Essence.

This is the reason for making a fundamental comment on the introductory part of the Science of Logic, in which absolute immediacy engages its own self-division through the direct coincidence of the self-suppression of immediacy itself, thus in the pure coincidence between Being and Nothing. Because of this coincidence we found in the Hegelian text discrete but explicit references to an ineffable third instance of an Origin which is, in truth, the pure un-beginning of the ontological division itself and which undoubtedly constitutes a much more consistent support for the ontological difference than the “belonging-togetherness” (Zusammengehörigkeit) of Heidegger. Moreover, the whole structure of the Essence part is conditioned by the modality of establishing the ontological difference in the beginning of the Science of Logic and one can follow its implications in the speculative concerted movement and double methodological spiraling of the coincidence or simultaneity of the Essence in its articulations (Reflection, Determinations of reflection) in relation to the instantiation of the determinations and their relations in the Quantity chapter.

Thus, Hegel’s position is that of a trial of the reformation of the identity principle. But the issue of its success is dependent upon such factors as the understanding of the ontological difference, of the concept of negativity and privation and to his metaphysical and even Christian theological suppositions as departure points for his entire system.

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