History and hermeneutics : the philosophy of R.G. Collingwood and its theological application
This is a study of the philosopher Robin George Collingwood. It proceeds along three avenues. First contrary to the received interpretation which sees Collingwood's later work. exemplified by the essay on Metaphysics, as accepting complete historical rclatiyism. I argue that the Metaphysics is better understood within the contcxt ofhcImcneutics. and how careful consideration of his henncneutics of history can havc helpful and Illuminating theological applications. Both 'absolute presuppositions' and the controversial notion of 'unconscious thought' function as a critique of subjectiyism. The second avenue investigates the status of the doctrine of re-enactment. In common with recent research I argue that the doctrine is best understood as a transcendental condition of history. Collingwood is, therefore, clarif)ing the conditions for an understanding of the past, rather than providing the historian \\1th a method. I argue that re-enactmcnt is a 'grammatical' investigation into the nature of the historical object and 1 support this argument by a detailed account of the linguistic nature of Collingwood's philosophy. Following the school of anal~1ical philosophy of history, I argue that re-enactment is a thesis
Devanny, Christopher
Philosophy
History and hermeneutics : the philosophy of R.G. Collingwood and its theological application. This is a study of the philosopher Robin George Collingwood. It proceeds along three avenues. First contrary to the received interpretation which sees Collingwood's later work. exemplified by the essay on Metaphysics, as accepting complete historical rclatiyism. I argue that the Metaphysics is better understood within the contcxt ofhcImcneutics. and how careful consideration of his henncneutics of history can havc helpful and Illuminating theological applications. Both 'absolute presuppositions' and the controversial notion of 'unconscious thought' function as a critique of subjectiyism. The second avenue investigates the status of the doctrine of re-enactment. In common with recent research I argue that the doctrine is best understood as a transcendental condition of history. Collingwood is, therefore, clarif)ing the conditions for an understanding of the past, rather than providing the historian \\1th a method. I argue that re-enactmcnt is a 'grammatical' investigation into the nature of the historical object and 1 support this argument by a detailed account of the linguistic nature of Collingwood's philosophy. Following the school of anal~1ical philosophy of history, I argue that re-enactment is a thesis
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