Form

Hegel (Logic of Essence, category of relation)

Form is the way in which content is structured. Not external shape, but organizing structure. In the relation form/content, it becomes clear: form is not a container for neutral content, but the content gives itself this form. Absolute form is the concept itself --- self-structuring activity. "The matter itself is the form" (not form and matter separated). Form/matter, form/content are stages: at first abstractly separated, then concretely united.

Origin

Greek *morphē*, Lat. *forma*. Aristotle: form (*eidos*) actualizes matter (*hylē*). Kant: forms of intuition, of the categories. Hegel: form as active principle, not static shape.

In Hegel

Enc. §133-134; SL Vol. 2, Appearance

Cross-references

Content · Matter · Essence · Appearance · Concept · Logic of Essence