Philosophy; rethinking thought

pp. 27-50

in: Gary Browning, Rethinking R. G. Collingwood, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan, 2004

Abstract

Philosophy, for Collingwood, is the reflexive project of rethinking the conceptual character of thought so as to highlight the unity of reflective forms of activity. Its reflexive, systematic character is evidenced in its explanation of the rational and free character of thought, which makes possible its project of reflexive comprehension. Throughout his writings, Collingwood highlights the significance of the capacity of thought to be rethought. In history, Collingwood takes the susceptibility of thought to being rethought to constitute the hallmark of historical knowledge.¹ Standardly, philosophy, for Collingwood, responds to the universality of thought, by rethinking the relations obtaining between concepts or the principles that govern patterns of thinking. The generality of thought allows for its rethinkability.