12121
Identity
?- 0 Hegel's 'System of Science'
- 1 Logic (Thinking of Thinking, Science of Science)
- 2 Nature (science of matter)
- 3 Spirit/Mind (Science of humanities)
- 11 Being (immediateness, 'Ontology')
- 12 Essence (mediation, reflection, metaphysics)
- 13 Concept (Notion / Logos / Comprehension, 'Begriff')
- 121 Essence as Reflection Within Itself
- 122 Appearance (Erscheinung)
- 123 Actuality (Wirklichkeit)
- 1211 Shine ('Schein')
- 1212 The Essentialities
- 1213 Ground (the reason, 'Grund')
- 12121 Identity
- 12122 Difference
- 12123 Contradiction ('Widerspruch')
Identity
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Identity (A=A) is the first determination of reflection --- and at the same time the emptiest. Abstract identity is mere tautology: "Being is being." That says nothing. Concrete identity is identity with itself in difference --- it contains negation within itself.
Origin: *Principium identitatis*, a basic principle since Aristotle. Leibniz: identity of indiscernibles. Hegel criticizes abstract identity (empty tautology) and demands concrete identity (mediated through difference).
In Hegel: Enc. §115-116; SL Vol. 2, Essence
Cross-references: Reflection, Distinction, Opposition, Contradiction, Ground, Logic of Essence, Determinations of reflection