第 65 节
作者:
桃桃逃 更新:2022-08-21 16:33 字数:9316
extraneous。 In chemism; on the contrary; the object exhibits an essential tendency to
differentiation; in such a way that the objects are what they are only by their relation to each other:
this tendency to difference constitutes their quality。 The third type of objectivity; the teleological
relation; is the unity of mechanism and chemism。 Design; like the mechanical object; is a
self…contained totality; enriched however by the principle of differentiation which came to the fore
in chemism; and thus referring itself to the object that stands over against it。 Finally; it is the
realisation of design which forms the transition to the Idea。
(a) Mechanism
§ 195
The object (1) in its immediacy is the notion only potentially; the notion as
subjective is primarily outside it; and all its specific character is imposed from
without。 As a unity of differents; therefore; it is a composite; an aggregate; and its
capacity of acting on anything else continues to be an external relation。 This is
Formal Mechanism。 Notwithstanding; and in this connection and
non…independence; the objects remain independent and offer resistance; external
to each other。
Pressure and impact are examples of mechanical relations。 Our knowledge is said
to be mechanical or by rote; when the words have no meaning for us; but
continue external to sense; conception; thought; and when; being similarly
external to each other; they form a meaningless sequence。 Conduct; piety; etc。;
are in the same way mechanical; when a man's behaviour is settled for him by
ceremonial laws; by a spiritual adviser; etc。; in short; when his own mind and will
are not in his actions; which in this way are extraneous to himself。
§ 195n
Mechanism; the first form of objectivity; is also the category which primarily offers itself to
reflection; as it examines the objective world。 It is also the category beyond which reflection
seldom goes。 It is; however; a shallow and superficial mode of observation; one that cannot carry
us through in connection with Nature and still less in connection with the world of Mind。 In Nature
it is only the veriest abstract relations of matter in its inert masses which obey the law of
mechanism。 On the contrary the phenomena and operations of the province to which the term
'physical' in its narrower sense is applied; such as the phenomena of light; heat; magnetism; and
electricity; cannot be explained by any mere mechanical processes; such as pressure; impact;
displacement of parts; and the like。
Still less satisfactory is it to transfer these categories and apply them in the field of organic nature;
at least if it be our aim to understand the specific features of that field; such as the growth and
nourishment of plants; or; it may be; even animal sensation。 It is at any rate a very deep…seated;
and perhaps the main; defect of modern researches into nature; that; even where other and higher
categories than those of mere mechanism are in operation; they still stick obstinately to the
mechanical laws; although they thus conflict with the testimony of unbiased perception; and
foreclose the gate to an adequate knowledge of nature。 But even in considering the formations in
the world of Mind; the mechanical theory has been repeatedly invested with an authority which it
has no right to。 Take as an instance the remark that man consists of soul and body。 In this
language; the two things stand each self…subsistent; and associated only from without。 Similarly Be
find the soul regarded as a mere group of forces and faculties; subsisting independently side by
side。
Thus decidedly must we reject the mechanical mode of inquiry when it comes forward and
arrogates to itself the place of rational cognition in general; and seeks to get mechanism accepted
as an absolute category。 But we must not on that account forget expressly to vindicate for
mechanism the right and import of a general logical category。 It would be; therefore; a mistake to
restrict it to the special physical department from which it derives its name。 There is no harm done;
for example; in directing attention to mechanical actions; such as that of gravity; the lever; etc。;
even in departments; notably in physics and in physiology; beyond the range of mechanics proper。
It must however be remembered that within these spheres the laws of mechanism cease to be final
or decisive; and sink; as it were; to a subservient position。 To which may be added that in Nature;
when the higher or organic functions are in any way checked or disturbed in their normal
efficiency; the otherwise subordinate category of mechanism is immediately seen to take the upper
hand。 Thus a sufferer from indigestion feels pressure on the stomach; after partaking of certain
food in slight quantity; whereas those whose digestive organs are sound remain free from the
sensation; although they have eaten as much。 The same phenomenon occurs in the general feeling
of heaviness in the limbs; experienced in bodily indisposition。 Even in the world of Mind;
mechanism has its place; though there; too; it is a subordinate one。 We are right in speaking of
mechanical memory; and all sorts of mechanical operations; such as reading; writing; playing on
musical instruments; etc。 In memory; indeed; the mechanical quality of the action is essential: a
circumstance of which the neglect has not unfrequently caused great harm in the training of the
young; from the misapplied zeal of modern educationalists for the freedom of intelligence。 It would
betray bad psychology; however; to have recourse to mechanism for an explanation of the nature
of memory; and to apply mechanical laws straight off to the soul。 The mechanical feature in
memory lies merely in the fact that certain signs; tones; etc。; are apprehended in their purely
external association; and then reproduced in this association; without attention being expressly
directed to their meaning and inward association。 To become acquainted with these conditions of
mechanical memory requires no further study of mechanics; nor would that study tend at all to
advance the special inquiry of psychology。
§ 196
The want of stability in itself which allows the object to suffer violence; is
possessed by it (see preceding §) only in so far as it has a certain stability。 Now
as the object is implicitly invested with the character of notion; the one of these
characteristics is not merged into its other; but the object; through the negation of
itself (its lack of independence); closes with itself; and not till it so closes; is it
independent。 Thus at the same time in distinction from the outwardness; and
negativing that outwardness in its independence; does this independence form a
negative unity with self … Centrality (subjectivity)。 So conceived; the other itself
has direction and reference towards the external。 But this external object is
similarly central in itself; and being so; is no less only referred towards the other
centre; so that it no less has its centrality in the other。 This is (2) Mechanism
with Affinity (with bias; or 'difference'); and may be illustrated by gravitation;
appetite; social instinct; etc。
§ 197
This relation; when fully carried out; forms a syllogism。 In that syllogism the
immanent negativity; as the central individuality of an object (abstract centre)
relates itself to non…independent objects; as the other extreme; by a mean which
unites the centrality with the non…independence of the objects (relative centre)。
This is (3) Absolute Mechanism。
§ 198
The syllogism thus indicated (I … P … U) is a triad of syllogisms。 The wrong
individuality of non…independent objects; in which formal Mechanism is at home;
is; by reason of that non…independence; no less universality; though it be only
external。 Hence these objects also form the mean between the absolute…and the
relative centre (the form of syllogism being U … I … P): for it is by this want of
independence that those two are kept asunder and made extremes; as well as
related to one another。 Similarly absolute centrality; as the permanently
underlying universal substance (illustrated by the gravity which continues
identical); which as pure negativity equally includes individuality in it; is what
mediates between the relative centre and the non…independent objects (the form
of syllogism being P … U … I)。 It does so no less essentially as a disintegrating
force; in its character of immanent individuality; than in virtue of universality;
acting as an identical bond of union and tranquil self…containedness。 Like the solar
system; so for example in the practical sphere the state is a system of three
syllogisms。
(1) The Individual or person; through his particularity or physical or mental needs
(which when carried out to their full development give civil society); is coupled
with the universal; i。e。 with society; law; right; government。
(2) The will or action of the individuals is the intermediating force which procures