Within the Framework of the GTU Scientific Project, a Cycle of Block Seminars Dedicated to Hegel’s Philosophy Is Underway at State Universities
06-06-2025
Within the framework of the scientific interdisciplinary collaborative project of the Georgian Technical University, which is implemented with the support of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia, a cycle of intensive block seminars is underway for students of five state universities of Georgia in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Zugdidi, and Batumi, led by Professor Emeritus of Humboldt University, Honorary President of the International Hegel Society, Honorary Doctor of GTU Andreas Arndt and Professor of the Faculty of Engineering Economics, Media Technologies and Social Sciences of GTU, Head of the Scientific Cluster – “State - Law – Culture”, Member of the Scientific Council of the International Hegel Society Mamuka Beriashvili.
The block seminar series is dedicated to the topic: “Morality as the Institutionalization of Freedom in Hegel’s Philosophy” (Sittlichkeit als Institutionalisierung der Freiheit bei Hegel), according to Hegel’s philosophy of law and the science of logic. The author of the scientific interdisciplinary collaborative project is Professor Mamuka Beriashvili, Head of the GTU Scientific Cluster “State - Law - Culture”.
Within the framework of the project, at the first two-part block seminar, which was held in a hybrid format at the Georgian Technical University, Professor Andreas Arndt read a report on the topic - “State and Economy according to Hegel’s Philosophy of Law” for GTU doctoral students and young researchers; Professor Mamuka Beriashvili presented on the topic - “Morality as Institutionalized Freedom in Hegel” (based on Hegel’s lectures on the 1817-1831 years of the Philosophies of Law).
The discussion, which took place after the presentations, was attended by doctors: Ketevan Rcheulishvili, Irakli Taboridze, Irakli Dekanozishvili, Mariam Khazaradze and doctoral students: Maria Jgushia, Giorgi Beriashvili, Rusa Makhatadze, and Giorgi Kashibadze.
After the discussion, Professors Andreas Arndt and Mamuka Beriashvili held a 2-hour seminar for young researchers, focusing on the pre-edited texts from the 1821 and 1824 introductions to Hegel’s Philosophy of Law.
As noted by Mamuka Beriashvili, a professor at GTU and head of the scientific cluster “State - Law – Culture,” the comprehensive systemic and historical understanding of these block seminars - organized under the auspices of the Georgian Technical University’s scientific project and unified by a central theme -will allow young researchers to analyze thoroughly the crisis of modern democratic states, which stems from a formal and minimalist understanding of democracy.
“The importance of the block seminars is not only expressed in the sharing of academic knowledge. Their goal is to develop critical thinking in young researchers. Hegel’s philosophy, especially his concept of morality as institutionalized freedom, provides a unique framework for understanding the ethical and legal foundations of modern democratic society. At a time when democracy is often reduced to formal mechanisms and electoral procedures, Hegel reminds us of the deeper, institutional and ethical foundations of freedom that can rationally unite the individual and the state. These block seminars, as an interdisciplinary and collaborative format, create a space for long-term dialogue between generations, ensuring the formation of a scholarly community that will confront contemporary social, political, and cultural crises with philosophical depth and historical awareness. The participation of Professor Andreas Arndt, his lectures, and discussions with him allow our students to share the highest standards of international academic discourse and, at the same time, to consider the local intellectual tradition in a global context. In addition, this event is part of a broader effort - to establish a philosophical infrastructure that ensures a critical understanding of classical philosophy and its connection to contemporary challenges. We study Hegel and use his philosophy to understand the contemporary crisis and to shape a new generation of thinkers who perceive freedom not as an abstract ideal, but as a living, institutional reality - a reality that requires constant understanding and renewal,” notes Mamuka Beriashvili.
Within the framework of the scientific interdisciplinary collaborative project of the Georgian Technical University, the next block seminars will be held at Ilia, Kutaisi Akaki Tsereteli, Zugdidi Shota Meskhia and Batumi Shota Rustaveli State Universities, according to the following program:
June 6, 18:30 - At Ilia State University in Tbilisi, Professor Andreas Arndt will deliver a lecture on the topic: “The Idea of the Concept in Hegel” (round table/discussion); the lecture will be followed by a 2-hour seminar by Andreas Arndt, within the framework of which interactive work with students on pre-processed texts from the science of Hegel’s logic is planned.
Professor Mamuka Beriashvili will read a report on the topic - “The Idea of Freedom According to Hegel’s Philosophy of Law and Philosophy of Religion” (round table/discussion);
Block seminars at state universities will be held in a hybrid format, and in addition to face-to-face attendance, interested students will also be able to participate remotely via the Zoom platform.
The block seminar series is dedicated to the topic: “Morality as the Institutionalization of Freedom in Hegel’s Philosophy” (Sittlichkeit als Institutionalisierung der Freiheit bei Hegel), according to Hegel’s philosophy of law and the science of logic. The author of the scientific interdisciplinary collaborative project is Professor Mamuka Beriashvili, Head of the GTU Scientific Cluster “State - Law - Culture”.
Within the framework of the project, at the first two-part block seminar, which was held in a hybrid format at the Georgian Technical University, Professor Andreas Arndt read a report on the topic - “State and Economy according to Hegel’s Philosophy of Law” for GTU doctoral students and young researchers; Professor Mamuka Beriashvili presented on the topic - “Morality as Institutionalized Freedom in Hegel” (based on Hegel’s lectures on the 1817-1831 years of the Philosophies of Law).
The discussion, which took place after the presentations, was attended by doctors: Ketevan Rcheulishvili, Irakli Taboridze, Irakli Dekanozishvili, Mariam Khazaradze and doctoral students: Maria Jgushia, Giorgi Beriashvili, Rusa Makhatadze, and Giorgi Kashibadze.
After the discussion, Professors Andreas Arndt and Mamuka Beriashvili held a 2-hour seminar for young researchers, focusing on the pre-edited texts from the 1821 and 1824 introductions to Hegel’s Philosophy of Law.
As noted by Mamuka Beriashvili, a professor at GTU and head of the scientific cluster “State - Law – Culture,” the comprehensive systemic and historical understanding of these block seminars - organized under the auspices of the Georgian Technical University’s scientific project and unified by a central theme -will allow young researchers to analyze thoroughly the crisis of modern democratic states, which stems from a formal and minimalist understanding of democracy.
“The importance of the block seminars is not only expressed in the sharing of academic knowledge. Their goal is to develop critical thinking in young researchers. Hegel’s philosophy, especially his concept of morality as institutionalized freedom, provides a unique framework for understanding the ethical and legal foundations of modern democratic society. At a time when democracy is often reduced to formal mechanisms and electoral procedures, Hegel reminds us of the deeper, institutional and ethical foundations of freedom that can rationally unite the individual and the state. These block seminars, as an interdisciplinary and collaborative format, create a space for long-term dialogue between generations, ensuring the formation of a scholarly community that will confront contemporary social, political, and cultural crises with philosophical depth and historical awareness. The participation of Professor Andreas Arndt, his lectures, and discussions with him allow our students to share the highest standards of international academic discourse and, at the same time, to consider the local intellectual tradition in a global context. In addition, this event is part of a broader effort - to establish a philosophical infrastructure that ensures a critical understanding of classical philosophy and its connection to contemporary challenges. We study Hegel and use his philosophy to understand the contemporary crisis and to shape a new generation of thinkers who perceive freedom not as an abstract ideal, but as a living, institutional reality - a reality that requires constant understanding and renewal,” notes Mamuka Beriashvili.
Within the framework of the scientific interdisciplinary collaborative project of the Georgian Technical University, the next block seminars will be held at Ilia, Kutaisi Akaki Tsereteli, Zugdidi Shota Meskhia and Batumi Shota Rustaveli State Universities, according to the following program:
June 6, 18:30 - At Ilia State University in Tbilisi, Professor Andreas Arndt will deliver a lecture on the topic: “The Idea of the Concept in Hegel” (round table/discussion); the lecture will be followed by a 2-hour seminar by Andreas Arndt, within the framework of which interactive work with students on pre-processed texts from the science of Hegel’s logic is planned.
Professor Mamuka Beriashvili will read a report on the topic - “The Idea of Freedom According to Hegel’s Philosophy of Law and Philosophy of Religion” (round table/discussion);
- June 7, 13:00 - Professor Andreas Arndt’s lecture will be held at Akaki Tsereteli State University in Kutaisi - “Economics and the State with Hegel” (round table/discussion);
- June 9, 13:00 - Professor Mamuka Beriashvili will deliver a lecture at Akaki Tsereteli State University in Kutaisi - “Development of the Idea of Freedom in Various Contexts of Hegel’s Philosophical System” (round table/discussion);
- June 10, 13:00 - Professor Andreas Arndt’s lecture will be held at Shota Meskhia State University in Zugdidi - “Development of Freedom in World History with Hegel” (round table/discussion);
- June 11, 13:00 - At Shota Meskhia State University in Zugdidi, Professor Mamuka Beriashvili will deliver a lecture on “Development of the Idea of Freedom in the Philosophy of Religion” (round table/discussion);
- June 12, 12:00 - At Shota Rustaveli State University in Batumi, Mamuka Beriashvili will deliver a report on the topic “The Beginning of Human Freedom in Hegel’s Philosophy of Religion” (seminars based on previously prepared relevant texts);
- June 13, 13:00 - Professor Andreas Arndt will hold a lecture with a discussion on the topic - “Hegel - On Right, Duty and Will” at Shota Rustaveli State University in Batumi (seminars based on pre-prepared texts).
Block seminars at state universities will be held in a hybrid format, and in addition to face-to-face attendance, interested students will also be able to participate remotely via the Zoom platform.
