I limiti dell’interpretazione coerentista della dialettica hegeliana

Abstract

The aim of this paper is the analysis of the coherentistic interpretations of Hegelian dialectic and of the role contradiction plays in it. In the coherentist interpretation contradiction is characterized by its classical semantic and syntactic meaning. This does not implies a denial of the principle of non contradiction, because the focus of this interpretation is on the negative-critical role contradiction plays in the dialectical process. Contradiction is the symptom of the abstractness and one-sidedness of the determinations of the Understanding. Insofar as contradictory, these determination are false. The negation of the assumptions entailing the contradiction – the abstractedness and one-sidedness – and the affirmation of the opposite assumption – the relational nature of the determination of question – are implied. This relational nature is the unity of opposite determinations, which is the concrete truth of the determinations themselves. In this essential relation the abstractedness of Understanding and the contradiction it entails are completely resolved. In this perspective, contradiction has simply an epistemological meaning. Any ontological value of this notion is gotten rid of, and the value of the principle of non contradiction is not threatened. This seems to be an happy picture of Hegelian dialectic, in as much as coherence is palatable and suitable for contemporary philosophical sensibility. Nevertheless, this way of conceiving of dialectic and contradiction is not effective in three respects, whose analysis is outlined in the second part of the paper:

1. The coherentist interpretation is not an effective actualization of Hegel’s notion of contradiction as regula veri. The research on paraconsistent logical systems and especially on dialetheism represents a more faithful and interesting way to return to Hegel’s thesis of the truth of contradiction and to shed light on the revolutionary character of this thesis with respect to standard logic;
2. This reading shows to provide a wrong account of the way contradictions arise in dialectical process and of the value