Timo Schmitz

Hegel uses a Platonic terminology, though in German, to explain his understanding of God in philosophy. As such, it is of interest, whether the usage of the terms rather describes a 19th century reading of Plato or whether it explains a unique understanding of God. The author argues that Hegel’s explanation of God as Geist is Platonic because, for Plato, reason is ultimately connected to the Divine; thus, the logistikon possesses a spiritual dimension. On the other hand, Hegel derives the divine attributes from the Bible where God is described as the logos. By combining these two teachings, Hegel uniquely emphasizes the special importance of reason as a reference point to reality. The Biblical-Platonic notion of reason as appearance in the finite which can never be dissolved or distinguished from reason in the infinite is brought to light in Hegel’s philosophy.