This book explores R.G. Collingwood’s concept of metaphysics. It traces the evolution of Collingwood’s thought on metaphysics through his published work, posthumously published manuscripts, and recently discovered course notes.
From 1933 to 1936, Collingwood’s thought shifted considerably from the more orthodox Hegelian treatment of metaphysics as the study of the general nature of reality, to the more ‘historicist’ study of absolute presuppositions. This radical-conversion-hypothesis has been for a long time the single most important issue in the interpretation of Collingwood’s philosophy. This book provides a fresh reappraisal of his thinking on metaphysics during these crucial years. It argues that objective idealism is the key to unraveling the true scope of Collingwood’s metaphysics. This theory takes a mid-position between mainstream interpretations in the secondary literature and forms the background to many of Collingwood’s key ideas regarding metaphysics, the philosophy of nature and the philosophy of history. The book also compares Collingwood’s concept of metaphysics to that of his predecessors, contemporaries, and followers. The second part of the book focuses in detail on the similarities and differences between Collingwood's metaphysics and, in chronological order, the views on metaphysics of Dilthey, Whitehead, Ayer, Wittgenstein, Heidegger, Berlin, Kolakowski, Strawson, and Taylor.
Collingwood’s Metaphysics will be of interest to scholars and graduate students interested in Collingwood’s philosophy, 20th-century philosophy, and metaphysics.
Introduction
Part I: The Unique Position of Collingwood’s Metaphysics
1. Metaphysics as a Historical Science: Beyond the Radical-Conversion-Hypothesis
2. R.G. Collingwood on Eternal Problems
3. ‘The Debilitating Effect of Logical Positivism’: On the Difference Between R. G. Collingwood’s An Essay On Philosophical Method and An Essay On Metaphysics
Part II: Collingwood and the Others: Predecessors, Contemporaries and Followers
4. The Seminal Role of Meta-Criticism: From Johann Georg Hamann to Wilhelm Dilthey
5. R.G. Collingwood, Samuel Alexander and A.N. Whitehead on Metaphysics, History and Cosmology
6. Does ‘I Know’ Tolerate Metaphysical Emphasis? R.G. Collingwood’s Affirmative Answer to Wittgenstein’s Rhetorical Question
7. Much Ado About Nothing: R.G. Collingwood versus Martin Heidegger on the Status of Metaphysics
8. Two Varieties of Descriptive Metaphysics: The Kantian Heritage of R.G. Collingwood and P.F. Strawson
9. Three All Souls Metaphysicals: The Hidden Influence of R.G. Collingwood on Isaiah Berlin, Charles Taylor and Leszek Kołakowski
Conclusion
10. Beyond Metaphysical Controversies: The Significance of Collingwood’s Historical Metaphysics in Contemporary Philosophical Climate
Biography
Guido Vanheeswijck is Emeritus Professor of University Antwerp and Catholic University Louvain (both Belgium). He has published widely on metaphysics, philosophy of culture and philosophy of religion and is co-editor with Mathieu Marion of Realism and Idealism. Central Problems in Metaphysics (forthcoming 2025).
“An original, insightful, and clearly argued presentation of Collingwood’s metaphysics. The first part makes a convincing case for the underlying unity of Collingwood’s work. The second part explores relations between Collingwood’s work and that of a number of other philosophers, including Whitehead, Ayer, Wittgenstein, Heidegger, Berlin, Kolakowski, Strawson, and Taylor.”
Stephen Leach, Keele University, UK
“In this ground-breaking exploration of R.G. Collingwood's metaphysics, Guido Vanheeswijck masterfully unveils the depth and complexity of one of philosophy's most underappreciated minds. Through meticulous research and compelling argumentation, this work not only resurrects Collingwood's philosophical legacy but also cements his place as a central figure in the development of modern metaphysical and historical thought.”
Karim Dharamsi, Mount Royal University, Canada
