Hegel is Phenomenal

Beginning to read Hegel after spending much time with Kant is an interesting transition to be sure. Kant in my mind perfectly laid out an argument for the existence of conditions of perception and flowing from these conditions a necessary "a priori" level of knowing. This was illustrated with the condition of "space". Without this "a priori" knowledge we would find it difficult (if not impossible) to examine or even comprehend objects external to us. Also, while we can think of empty space we cannot think of anything as empty of space. Kant goes on to lay out a large mapping of these conditions and how our perception and understanding operate through the use of them. Hegel, however, takes a different approach in regards to knowing and understanding. Hegel states that, "to be specific, it takes for granted certain ideas about cognition as and instrument and a medium and assumes that there is a difference between ourselves and this cognition." (47). Hegel believes that cognition (consciousness/understanding) is not formatted in the manner that Kant outlines. He thinks that there is no separation or difference between our understanding and ourselves. This is interesting in that this idea seems to counter the abstract manner with which Kant explains understanding and seems to place many of its ideas outside of us. Hegel believes that it is natural but false to assume a separation between the cognition and the object of the understanding.