Contesting the widely-held assumption that Hegel shows a clear preference for the sign over the symbol, this book expounds the indispensable importance of the symbol for spirit's ultimate determination. Employing Derrida's critique of Hegel as the impetus for a new understanding of Hegel's concept of spirit, the book forces readers to take a fresh look at issues in the philosophy of language, aesthetics, and theology. Magnus shows how the collective power Hegel calls "spirit" remains relevant to the contemporary human situation, even in light of the serious and pressing objections of postmodern philosophy.
