How Can The Hegelian Notion Of Aufhebung Be Reconciled With The Post-structuralist Critique Of Teleology, Particularly In Relation To The Absolute Spirit's Alleged Culmination Of Historical Dialectics, When Considering The Implications Of Jean-François Lyotard's Différend On The Legitimacy Of Meta-narratives In Contemporary Philosophical Discourse?

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The reconciliation of Hegel's Aufhebung with post-structuralist critiques, particularly through Lyotard's notion of the différend, can be approached by reinterpreting Aufhebung in a non-teleological manner. Here's a structured summary of the thought process and conclusion:

  1. Understanding Key Concepts:

    • Aufhebung: A dialectical process where thesis and antithesis are both canceled and preserved, leading to a higher synthesis. In Hegel, this progresses towards the Absolute Spirit, a meta-narrative of historical culmination.
    • Post-Structuralist Critique: Rejects grand narratives and teleology, viewing them as power constructs that suppress diverse experiences.
    • Lyotard's Différend: Highlights unresolvable conflicts between incommensurable discourses, critiquing meta-narratives for silencing alternative perspectives.

  2. Reinterpreting Aufhebung:

    • Non-Teleological Approach: Aufhebung can be seen as a continuous process without a predetermined end, aligning with post-structuralist rejection of fixed historical endpoints.
    • Acknowledging Conflict: Instead of resolving conflicts into a higher unity, Aufhebung can recognize ongoing tensions, reflecting the irreconcilable nature of the différend.

  3. Implications for Contemporary Philosophy:

    • Regulative Ideal: The Absolute Spirit, if viewed as an unattainable horizon, serves as a critical tool rather than a teleological endpoint, avoiding the imposition of a single narrative.
    • Pluralistic Negotiation: Aufhebung becomes a method for understanding historical processes, emphasizing ongoing negotiations between diverse perspectives without assuming synthesis.

  4. Conclusion:

    • A critical appropriation of Aufhebung, stripped of teleology, offers a framework that respects post-structuralist critiques. It acknowledges the impossibility of a final synthesis, using dialectics to explore ongoing conflicts and negotiations, thus avoiding the pitfalls of meta-narratives.

This approach allows for a nuanced integration of Hegelian dialectics with post-structuralist sensibilities, fostering a philosophy that is both process-oriented and aware of its limitations.