An Essay on Metaphysics

R. G. Collingwood

ISBN 10: 0198235615 / ISBN 13: 9780198235613

Published by Oxford University Press, GB, 1998

About this Item

An Essay on Metaphysics is one of the finest works of the great Oxford philosopher, historian, and archaeologist R. G. Collingwood (1889-1943). First published in 1940, it is a broad-ranging work in which Collingwood considers the nature of philosophy, especially of metaphysics. He puts forward his well-known doctrine of absolute presuppositions, expounds a logic of question and answer, and gives an original and influential account of causation. The book has been widely read and much discussed ever since. In this revised edition the complete original text is accompanied by three previously unpublished essays by Collingwood which will be essential reading for any serious student of his thought: `The Nature of Metaphysical Study' (1934), `The Function of Metaphysics in Civilization' (1938), and `Notes for a Essay on Logic' (1939). These fascinating writings illuminate and amplify the ideas of the Essay, to which they are closely related. The distinguished philosopher and Collingwood scholar Rex Martin has established authoritative versions of these new texts, added a short set of notes on the Essay, and contributed a substantial introduction explaining the story of the composition of all these works, discussing their major themes, and setting them in the context of Collingwood's philosophy as a whole.

Seller Inventory # LU-9780198235613

Bibliographic Details

• Title: An Essay on Metaphysics
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, GB
• Publication Date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0198235615
• ISBN 13: 9780198235613
• Binding: Hardback
• Edition: Revised.
• Condition: New
• Dimensions: 21.6W x 14H x 3.49D centimeters 21.6 centimeters width by 14 centimeters height by 3.49 centimeters depth
• Weight: 879 grams

About this title

Synopsis

One of the great Oxford philosopher's finest works, Essay on Metaphysics considers the nature of philosophy, and puts forward Collingwood's original and influential theories of causation, presuppositions, and the logic of question and answer. This new edition includes three fascinating unpublished pieces that illuminate and amplify the Essay.

About the Author

R. G. Collingwood was Waynflete Professor of Metaphysical Philosophy in the University of Oxford from 1935 to 1941.