Abstract

This study analyzes the relationship that the natural world and social existence, or 'spirit', have in the philosophies of G. W. F. Hegel and Friedrich Nietzsche. I first examine the two philosophers' shared commitment to think through the logical and experiential ramifications of the dynamics of life. This commitment leads each of them to challenge the presuppositions of traditionally held metaphysical and epistemological beliefs. In the wake of their similar critiques, each thinker appeals to history in order to explain the origin and foundation of knowledge claims. I conclude by looking at Nietzsche's account of the 'folk song' as a model for meaningful cultural enactments and gesture towards this model as way to understand some of Hegel's claims concerning 'absolute knowing.'