Hegel and Du Bois: A study of the influence of G. W. F. Hegel on the early writings of W. E. B. Du Bois (1896--1903)

This dissertation investigated the influence of the philosophy of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (1770--1831) on William Edward Burghardt Du Bois (1868--1963) as demonstrated in Du Bois's early writings between 1896 and 1903. Du Bois's academic experiences at Fisk University, Harvard University and the University Berlin were examined. The academic and social culture of each institution and Du Bois's relationship with influential professors in the fields of philosophy and history were examined.;Research questions included: (1) What courses did W. E. B. Du Bois take during his university training that would contribute to his knowledge of G. W. F. Hegel? (2) Does a relationship exist between Du Bois's early writings and the philosophy of G. W. F. Hegel, particularly Hegel's Phenomenology of Mind and Philosophy of History?;This study combined historical and content analysis research methodologies. Content analysis of literature was employed to investigate the relationship between Du Bois and Hegel. Du Bois's essay, "The Spirit of Modern Europe," and book, The Souls of Black Folk, were analyzed and compared to G. W. F. Hegel's Philosophy of History and Phenomenology of Mind.;Significant findings include: (1) Du Bois studied G. W. F. Hegel at both Harvard University and the University of Berlin. (2) Du Bois studied Hegel's Phenomenology of Mind, Philosophy of History, and Science of Logic. (3) Du Bois's essay, The Spirit of Modern Europe, presents education or the development of culture through history as outlined in Hegel's Philosophy of History . (4) Du Bois used Hegelian standards to present African Americans going through the process of human development and as contributors to world culture. (5) The Souls of Black Folk reflects Du Bois's understanding of Bildung---Hegel's concept of education and development as outlined in the Phenomenology of Mind.