With this work, Hegel introduced a scientific approach to the study of the history of philosophy. The author himself regarded this book as a popular introduction to his entire philosophy and it ranks among his most readable and accessible writings. Hegel develops the concept of history as a rational proceeding, rather than a series of random events. His doctrine of the historical process - governed according to the laws of evolution and embodying the spirit of freedom - exercised an enormous and enduring influence. Unabridged republication of the J.Sibree translation as published by The Colonial Press, New York, 1900.