The concept of quantum in Hegel’s Science of Logic

number, number value and unity

Abstract

Based on an analysis of the methodological system established in Hegel's Science of Logic, this article presents the concept of quantum as a way of providing the necessary reflections in the speculative development of the second part of the Doctrine of Being. To do this, we seek to highlight the dialectical relationship between the concept of quality and quantity, in order to understand the systematic order of the dialectical development of Being, in which qualitative determination is placed immediately in unity with being itself, while quantity is established in the supersumption of quality. To this end, we outline the distinction between pure, indeterminate quantity and quantity determined by quantum, by problematizing conceptions that establish the configuration of quantum in its own determinations, such as numerical value and unity, which subsidize the logical foundation of number. Finally, we deal with the relationship of difference and identity of the concepts of extensive and intensive quantities, in order to understand the notion of quantitative infinitude.