The Contradictions of Hegelian Philosophy in Modern Thought

Slavoj Žižek emphasizes his strong connection to Hegel, whom he believes presents a value that stands in stark contrast to typical philosophical traditions in the Anglo-Saxon world. He notes that existential discussions about historical determinism often overlook Hegel's perspective on contingency, suggesting that Hegel's thinking presents a more materialistic view than Marx’s interpretation of history. For Žižek, Hegel understood that events, including major historical shifts, can occur contingently rather than being strictly bound by teleological narratives. By illustrating these concepts through examples like Napoleon's rise to power, Žižek underlines that history is a complex interplay between necessity and the randomness of human choices.