Explicit Reflection
Our methodology (terminology from Heinrichs)
The conscious, systematic reflection on the structures of thought that we apply in practice. The conceptual penetration of what we previously only implicitly enacted. We make ourselves **consciously aware** of which logical structures guide our thinking --- we do not merely think, but we **think about our thinking**.
Origin
Johannes Heinrichs coined the term "explicit (consecutive) reflection" as the counter-concept to "implicit (constitutive) reflection." Explicit reflection is "consecutive" --- it follows afterward and makes conscious what was previously enacted unconsciously. Heinrichs also calls it "retrospective reflection."
In Hegel
The **Logic of Essence** (Ch. 5-8) begins explicit reflection --- here one consciously reflects on the mediations that operated only implicitly in the Logic of Being. The **Logic of the Concept** (Ch. 9-24) is the site of fully developed explicit reflection. The chapter on chemism (Ch. 15) makes explicit what was implicitly enacted in the chapter on measure (Ch. 3).
Cross-references
Implizite Reflexion · Reflection · Reflective Determinations · Performativ/Performativität · Spiral · Spiral staircase · Sublation · Essence · Concept · Mediation · Development
Verhältnis zur impliziten reflexion
Explicit reflection **necessarily presupposes the implicit** --- we can only make explicit what we have already implicitly enacted. The movement from implicit to explicit reflection is a **spiral movement**: we return to what we did at the beginning, but now on a higher, more conscious level.
Beispiele
- A chemist develops the **theory** of chemical affinity --- making explicit what he previously enacted implicitly in his practice - A child learns **grammar** in school --- making explicit the rules it already applies when speaking - You are reading this text about structures of thought --- you are making explicit what you do implicitly when checking for truth
Die spiralbewegung (in drei windungen)
1. **Implicit reflection:** enactment without full awareness (the chapter on measure uses chemical logic) 2. **Reflected reflection:** thinking about the enactment (the Logic of Essence reflects on mediations) 3. **Explicit reflection:** systematic comprehension (the chapter on chemism explicates the logic of affinity)
Praktische relevanz
Explicit reflection is the goal of all systematic education: you should not only be **able** to do something, but also **know how** you can do it. This makes you independent of mere routine and enables you to consciously further develop your thinking.
Der unterschied zum bloßen nachdenken
Explicit reflection is not mere retrospective brooding, but the **systematic explication** of the structures that were operative in the enactment. It is productive --- it makes us **more capable**, not merely **more knowing**.
Alternative bezeichnung
Retrospective reflection, consecutive reflection (in Heinrichs)