Moving beyond Hegel: The Need to Rethink Universals of Humanity

• Grant number: 24/18051-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Philosophy
• Principal Investigator: Vladimir Pinheiro Safatle
• Grantee: Natália Acurcio Cardoso
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas (FFLCH). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In this project, I present a path of explanation and reflection on the apparent structure of colonial oppression present in Hegel's History of Philosophy, within his comments on the African continent. In addition, I seek to articulate Frantz Fanon's thought as an important counterpoint to the desire for universalism in Hegelian philosophy. The general objective of this research is a double reflective task that allows us to both develop the thesis that the mode of oppression articulated by Hegel would be a strategy for defending his own philosophical system, and to critique the concepts of universality and humanity present therein, as well as rethinking other ways of conceiving these concepts. The aim is to show how the oppressive comments on Africa can lead us to another understanding of fundamental points in Hegelian philosophy. The methodology consists of the analysis and critical commentary of the texts worked on, as well as the incorporation of what is understood as the decolonial method, which is the deconstruction of classic concepts articulated by philosophy, which are often presented as inherent to scientific research. As a result, we hope to create an impact on decolonial studies and establish a dialog with the increasingly broad debate on the relationship between racism and the philosophical canon.