Section I - Essence as Reflection Within

Summary

Essence issues from being; hence it is not immediately in and for itself but is a result of that movement. Or, since essence is taken at first as something immediate, it is a determinate existence to which another stands opposed; it is only essential existence, as against the unessential. But essence is being which has been sublated in and for itself; what stands over against it is only shine. The shine, however, is essence's own positing.

First, essence is reflection. Reflection determines itself; its determinations are a positedness which is immanent reflection at the same time. Second, these reflective determinations or essentialities are to be considered. Third, as the reflection of its immanent determining, essence turns into foundation and passes over into concrete existence and appearance.