Wissenschaft der Logik (German Edition) - Comprehensive Hegel

In this review of Wissenschaft der Logik the bottom line is clear: this edition is essential for serious readers of German idealism who want a complete, scholarly presentation of Hegels ontological system. The volume collects the primary texts from 1812, 1813 and 1816 alongside the later reworking of the first book, giving readers the authoritative groundwork to follow Hegels systematic derivation of categories by dialectic. This edition, edited by Karl-Maria Guth with a new biography and grounded on the Werke editions, is best for students, scholars and committed translators who need accurate text and historical context.

Key Features

• Textual fidelity: The edition follows the standard Werke text tradition and presents the 1812, 1813 and 1816 material alongside the revised first book, allowing precise comparison of Hegels versions.
• Editorial apparatus: Edited by Karl-Maria Guth and issued as a complete new edition, it supplies a reliable editorial basis for scholarship and citation.
• Biographical context: A new biography of the author in the volume helps situate the work historically and supports interpretation of Hegels metaphysical aims.
• Philosophical scope: The book lays out Hegels ontological-metaphysical logic and the systematic derivation of categories by dialectic, valuable for deep study of systematic philosophy.
• Historic print basis: Textual grounding in the early prints (Nurnberg 1812/1813/1816 and the 1832 revision) helps readers trace textual development and editorial choices.

Who It's For

This edition is aimed at graduate students, researchers, and readers fluent in German who plan to engage closely with Hegels argumentation and textual history; the editorial notes and biographical material make it suitable for seminar use and citation in academic work. It is not a beginner translation or an introductory commentary: readers seeking an English introduction or a heavily annotated teaching edition with line-by-line modern-language glosses should look elsewhere.

Those interested in the history of German philosophy, metaphysics, or dialectical method will find this volume a durable reference. Casual readers expecting a simplified overview or pocket introduction will likely find the material dense and better served by a secondary source or commentary.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Authoritative text basis that reflects the important early printings and Hegels later revision.
• Useful scholarly editing by Karl-Maria Guth, adding credibility for research citations.
• Supplementary biography that clarifies historical and intellectual context for readers.

Cons

• Dense, original German text and limited explanatory notes make it challenging for non-specialists.

Specifications

Title	Wissenschaft der Logik (German Edition)
Author	Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel
Editor	Karl-Maria Guth
Text basis	Ausg. A (1812/1813/1816) and Ausg. B (1832 revision), Werke editions
Contents	Complete new edition with biography and established text grounding
Original print dates	Nurnberg 1812, 1813; 1816; revised 1832

Our Verdict

Wissenschaft der Logik in this scholarly German edition is a rigorous resource for specialists and advanced students who need the historical texts and a trusted editorial presentation. It is a strong value for research and coursework in Hegelian studies, though not aimed at casual readers or those without competence in German and philosophical terminology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this edition based on Hegels original printings?
Yes. The edition uses the early printings from 1812, 1813 and 1816 and notes the 1832 revision as part of its textual grounding.

Does this volume include commentary or translations?
The edition includes a new biography and editorial apparatus but is not an English translation; it presents the original German text with scholarly editing.

Who edited this edition?
The volume was edited by Karl-Maria Guth and prepared using the Werke editions as its text foundation.