Circuit
Hegel (systematic structural principle)
The circuit is the figure of the movement returning into itself. The Logic ends where it begins (at pure being), but enriched through all mediations. Every section forms a circle: quality -> quantity -> measure -> return to quality (but mediated). The absolute circle: "The circle is not a closed one, but one that closes itself." The movement is not circular-empty, but spiral-productive: every return is a new beginning at a higher level. System as a circle of circles.
Origin
Greek *kyklos* --- the eternal cycle. But: Aristotle's nature only returns (seed -> tree -> seed). Hegel's spirit breaks through the mere circle through history. The circle remains the structural model of Logic (timeless), not of history.
In Hegel
Enc. §243 (addition); SL Vol. 2, Absolute Idea
Cross-references
Return · System · Method · Development · Totality