An Essay on Metaphysics (Paperback)

An Essay on Metaphysics (1940) is a seminal work by Oxford philosopher R. G. Collingwood. In this revised edition with introduction and additional material, Collingwood explores the nature of metaphysics itself—how metaphysics differs from science and history, and why metaphysical inquiry matters.

Collingwood argues that metaphysics is not a collection of eternal truths but a historical inquiry into the absolute presuppositions underlying our ordinary science. He introduces his doctrine of "absolute presuppositions" and the logic of question and answer, asserting that these basic assumptions shape the questions we ask and the answers we accept. He also examines the concept of causation and critiques positivism for denying presuppositions. In Collingwood’s view, the metaphysician’s task is to study these presuppositions as historical facts.

The book is organized into several essays, including analyses of Aristotle, anti‑metaphysical movements, the existence of God, Kant’s metaphysics, and the notion of causation. This revised edition includes an introduction by Rex Martin and additional essays, making it a comprehensive resource for understanding Collingwood’s philosophy.

Product Details:
- ISBN: 0199241414
- EAN: 9780199241415
- Publisher: Oxford University Press
- Binding: Paperback
- Copyright Date: 2002
- Pub Date: March 6, 2002
- Pages: 548
- Dimensions: 21.6 cm × 17.7 cm × 3.0 cm
- Weight: 0.73 kg