Critical Studies in German Idealism38 Devouring Nature: On Assimilation and Consumption Hegel’s System

This book explores the overlooked connection between assimilation and consumption in Hegel’s system, tracing their development from the Logic to the Philosophy of Right. It offers a Hegelian perspective on the ontological and normative grounding of consumption. In this book, you will discover the deep connection between the concepts of assimilation and consumption in Hegel’s philosophy. Tracing their development across Hegel’s system—from the Logic and Philosophy of Nature to the Phenomenology of Spirit and Philosophy of Right—the book shows that consumption is a fully actualized form of assimilation. It argues that consumption is not merely a social practice, but is rooted in ontological and normative structures, revealing consumption as a way of culturally assimilating nature and shaping modern ethical life.