Introduction to Reflection Philosophy
Where to start with Johannes Heinrichs?
A Thinker Between Hegel and the Future
Johannes Heinrichs (*1942) has developed a philosophical system over five decades that continues Hegelian dialectics and makes it fruitful for current questions. His work comprises over 40 books on topics such as:
- Reflection Logic — the systematic foundation
- Philosophy of Language — a complete theory in 5 volumes
- Democracy Theory — the four-parliament model
- Social Theory — Eco-Logic, Culture, Actions
- Hegel Interpretation — The Logic of the Phenomenology of Spirit
Why Read Heinrichs?
Reflection Logic offers a universal thinking tool: The fourfold structure I-You-It-Medium systematically unlocks communication, society, language, and even AI architectures.
Once you understand Heinrichs’ system, you see connections that remain hidden to others.
The Best Introduction
For readers without philosophical background, we recommend the Introduction to Reflection System Theory by Kai Froeb — an accessible presentation of Heinrichs’ thinking.
Core Themes
- Reflection Logic — The fourfold structure of thought as the foundation of all philosophy
- Fourfold Structure (I-You-It-Medium) — A universal schema for communication, society, and knowledge
- Systemic Dialectics — Further development of Hegelian dialectics for the 21st century
- Democracy Theory — The four-parliament model as an alternative to party democracy
Reading Paths
The Very First Introduction
For everyone without prior knowledge
- Einführung in die Reflexions-Systemtheorie — Heinrichs' thinking for everyone — the ideal introduction (Froeb 2025)
Quick Start
For those in a hurry with philosophical background
- Integrale Philosophie — Compact overview of the entire system (2014)
- Dialectics as Logic of Reflection — The new major work (2025)
Systematic Introduction
For thorough study of reflection logic
- Das Geheimnis der Kategorien — Foundations of the fourfold structure
- Handlungen — Ethics based on reflection logic
- Sprache – Band 1: Die Zeichendimension — Philosophy of language as application
Political Introduction
For interest in democracy theory
- Geht Demokratie auch anders? — Brief introduction to the vision
- Revolution der Demokratie — The political major work
- Sprung aus dem Teufelskreis — Deepening of communication theory
Complete Philosophy of Language
For linguists and AI researchers
- Sprache – Band 1: Die Zeichendimension — Theory of signs
- Sprache – Band 2: Die Bedeutungsdimension — Theory of meaning
- Sprache – Band 3: Die Handlungsdimension — Speech acts
- Sprache – Band 4: Die Satzbauformel — Sentence structures
- Sprache – Band 5: Textsorten und Stilfiguren — Language styles and text genres
Hegel and Heinrichs
For Hegel scholars
- Die Logik der Phänomenologie des Geistes — The Logic of the Phenomenology of Spirit (Dissertation 1974)
- Dialektik jenseits von Hegel — Dialectics beyond Hegel
- Dialectics as Logic of Reflection — The systematic major work
Social Theory
For sociologists and cultural scientists
- Logik des Sozialen — Systematic social theory
- Öko-Logik — Ecological ethics
- Kultur — Philosophy of culture
- Revolution aus Geist und Liebe — Spirit and society
Ethics and Action Theory
For practical philosophy
- Handlungen — Systematic action theory
- Gelebte Reflexion — Applied reflection philosophy
- Das Recht nicht zu lügen — Communication ethics
English Introduction
For English speakers
- Diamonds of Integral Philosophy — Brief English introduction
- Value-Levels-Democracy — Democracy theory in English
Connections
From introduction to compact overview
From overview to new major work
From foundation to ethical application
From vision to systematic presentation
From Hegel interpretation to further development
From theory to application