Distinction

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Distinction develops in three stages: 1. Absolute distinction --- distinction as such, still indeterminate 2. Diversity --- external distinction: A and B are diverse, but indifferent to one another (like apples and pears) 3. Opposition --- essential distinction: A and B mutually determine one another through exclusion (like positive and negative) The point: distinction belongs to identity. Something is identical with itself only through its distinction from another. There is "above" only where there is "below." The determinations of reflection mutually constitute one another.

Origin: Traditionally: distinction as non-identity (negative). Hegel: distinction as a positive determination --- it *posits* identity, rather than merely negating it.

In Hegel: Enz. §117-118; Science of Logic, Vol. 2, Essence

Cross-references: Identity, Diversity, Opposition, Contradiction, Determinations of Reflection

Commentary on the Logic, Chapter 5

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