Meaning: The quote you provided is from Walter Kaufmann, a renowned philosopher, and it discusses the concept of philosophical systems as understood through the lens of Hegelian philosophy. In this quote, Kaufmann attributes the view of philosophical systems' development and one-sidedness to Hegel. To fully understand the quote, it's essential to delve into the context of Hegelian philosophy and the implications of this view on the history of philosophy.

Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (1770-1831) was a German philosopher who made significant contributions to the development of Western philosophy. One of his key ideas was the concept of dialectical thinking, which suggests that history and human thought progress through a process of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis. This dialectical process applies not only to historical events but also to the development of philosophical ideas and systems.

Hegel's view of philosophical systems as interconnected and evolving is encapsulated in the quote you provided. He proposed that each philosophical system arises as a reaction against the shortcomings or limitations of the preceding system. This dialectical progression results in the development of new ideas and perspectives, leading to a continuous evolution of philosophical thought.

Kaufmann's attribution of this view to Hegel highlights the profound influence of Hegelian philosophy on the understanding of the history of ideas. According to this perspective, philosophical systems are not isolated, independent entities; rather, they are interconnected and can be comprehended as part of a larger developmental process. Each system represents a stage in the unfolding of philosophical thought, with its own insights and limitations.

Furthermore, the notion that philosophical systems are generally one-sided aligns with Hegel's emphasis on the incompleteness and partiality of individual philosophical perspectives. According to Hegel, each philosophical system contains elements of truth, but none can fully encapsulate the entirety of truth. This recognition of the limitations of philosophical systems underscores the need for a comprehensive and evolving understanding of philosophical ideas.

In practical terms, Hegel's view encourages scholars and thinkers to approach the study of philosophy with an awareness of its historical and developmental context. Instead of viewing philosophical systems in isolation, it prompts an exploration of how ideas have emerged, interacted, and influenced one another over time. This approach can lead to a more nuanced and interconnected understanding of philosophical thought throughout history.

Moreover, Hegel's perspective has implications for contemporary philosophical discourse. It invites a critical examination of the prevailing philosophical paradigms and encourages the identification of their antecedents and the potential for further development. By recognizing the one-sided nature of philosophical systems, scholars can strive for a more comprehensive and integrative approach to philosophical inquiry.

In conclusion, the quote you provided offers insight into the interconnected and developmental nature of philosophical systems, as viewed through the lens of Hegelian philosophy. It underscores the idea that philosophical ideas and systems are not static entities but rather part of an ongoing process of development and reaction. By understanding philosophical systems in terms of their historical and developmental context, scholars can gain a deeper appreciation for the evolution of ideas and the interconnectedness of philosophical thought. Hegel's influence on this view has left a lasting legacy in the study of philosophy, prompting a more dynamic and interconnected approach to understanding the history of ideas.