Abstract

Edward Beach has written a short work in which he attempts to illustrate some of the most important philosophical themes of Hegel's philosophy of religion. His format is that of a dramatic dialogue between Nisus, "a disillusioned wanderer," and Amanda, a goddess "whose sublime tranquillity and dignity suggest great wisdom." They engage in a poetic exchange in which Nisus is moved from despair first to the Transcendental Idealism which admits that all is formally knowable; on to an acceptance in principle of an infinite knower ; through a return to skepticism which is vigorously refuted; and, finally, on to a reaffirmation of God as not only concrete possibility, but concrete actuality.