Saving the Phenomena

A methodological principle (Greek *sōzein ta phainomena*) holding that philosophical theory must not deny the immediate phenomena (the 'appearances') or dismiss them as mere illusion, but must 'save' them in their truth (ground them, sublate them). Hegel's logic does this by showing how each category (e.g., being) necessarily develops into the next (essence, concept) and is sublated (preserved) as a moment within the absolute idea.