Commenting upon Hegel's Phenomenology of Spirit involves a process of reappraisal. Hegel in the Phenomenology of Spirit appraises the claims of consciousness, and these claims are judged ultimately in the light of the achievement of a self-sustaining mode of consciousness. A review of Hegel's phenomenological understanding of consciousness if it is not to be conducted according to external criteria, is bound to track and evaluate Hegel's appraisal of consciousness and, in doing so, will be undertaking a reappraisal of Hegel's assessment of consciousness.