Kojève’s silence: Science and the end of history

This paper argues that in his early writings on modern physics, Alexandre Kojeve develops a critique of classical metaphysics that compromises his interpretation of Hegel. I aim to show that Kojeve's rejection of the classical conception of Being-as a spatially homogeneous uni-totality-renders the end of history impossible. I will contend that Kojeve's attempt to reconcile this tension through a distinction between knowledge and truth-asserting both the incompleteness of scientific knowledge andthe existence of an omniscient Wise Man-is ultimately untenable. In post-historicaltime, there can be no dualism of science and philosophy: the end of history implies-and therefore would coincide with-the end of science. The end of history not being possible without the end of science, the errors committed by men endure indefinitely.