Dr. J. Glenn Friesen

Studies relating to Herman Dooyeweerd Linked Glossary of Terms

© J. Glenn Friesen 2003, 2004

Linked Glossary of Terms
(references to De Wijsbegeerte der Wetsidee, unless indicated.See concordance for correlation with pages in the New Critique. The concordance is in pdf format.)

Sublation is a Hegelian view of synthesis, where two contraries are transcended and cancelled, and combined into a new unity. The German for this is 'Aufgehoben.' The Dutch word is 'opgeheven.'

Dooyeweerd is generally critical of this kind of dialectical logic. It tries to overcome the polar tensions caused by an absolutization of meaning.

Dooyeweerd says that there is a proper dialectical method in theory. But the opposites which this method resolves are relative and not absolute. We must search for a higher synthesis of these relative opposites (Roots 8). We cannot get beyond the over-against opposition in the Gegenstand relation unless it is directed above itself to a transcendent supra-temporal concentration point (NC I, 31). For those who begin with a dualistic Ground-Motive, no ultimate synthesis is possible; they are left with a primary religious dualism. Those caught in such a primary dualism argue for the use of a dialectical logic to attempt to overcome antithesis in starting points (NC II, 37). But this results only in a dialectical-logical unity, not a real unity (NC I, 89).

Baader also emphasizes the importance of synthesis of the two opposed standpoints in conceptual thinking. He refers to this as being sublated ('aufgehoben'). Concepts have to be related back to their Center (Begründing 109). Theory involves an initial subordination or dissolution of true coherence, an embodiment in the periphery. This is the abstraction. The second step is the collection ('Sammlung') of the dispersed sparks in the temporal world, in order to reunite them in a higher order. The third step is when the higher embodiment is completed; there is then death or dissolution of lower embodiment; it is like the scaffolding that collapses after the house is built (Zeit 36).

Like Dooyeweerd, Baader emphasizes that there is a good and a bad dialectic. (Lichtstrahlen 129). The negative function of our abstracting, distinguishing 'Verstand' is only a necessary moment in our thinking function; we must restore the concrete. From our initial intuition (Schauen) we must return to a Schauen. Otherwise, our thinking becomes an enemy; it is then destroying and deadening to the Spirit. The mistake in theory is not in the antithesis involved in thought, but in failing to return to a synthesis.

Revised Dec 27/04