Distinction

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.