Metaphysics, Method and Politics

James Connelly is Professor of Political Thought at The University of Hull.

Contents Prefacev Acknowledgements Introduction Abbreviations PART ONE: Philosophical Method And Metaphysics ==================================== Chapter One: The Unity of Collingwood's Philosophy 1 Introduction 2 The Unity of the Writings: A General Outline 3 Expositors and Critics 4 A Central Thread? 5 Style and Terminology in Collingwood 6 Conclusion Chapter Two: Metaphysics and Method: a Necessary Unity 1 Introduction 2 Collingwood and the Characteristics of Philosophy 3 Philosophy and its Method 4 Philosophical Method and the Scale of Forms 5 An Essay on Metaphysics and The Idea of System in Metaphysics 6 Conclusion Chapter Three: Absolute Presuppositions in Collingwood's Philosophy 1 Introduction 2 Beyond Truth and Falsity: Absolute Presuppositions, Thought and Change 3 A Short History of Absolute Presuppositions 4 Philosophical Concepts and Absolute Presuppositions 5 Conclusion PART TWO: The Political Philosophy of Civilization ======================================== Chapter Four: Theory, Practice and the Forms of Action 1 Introduction 2 Theory and Practice 3 Collingwood's Political Theory and Practice 4 The Forms of Action 5 Utility 6 Right 7 Duty 8 Conclusion Chapter Five: Political Action 1 Introduction 2 The Subject Matter of Political Theory 3 Society 4 The Body Politic 5 Ruling and Being Ruled 6 Punishment 7 The Law and Morality 8 Conclusion Chapter Six: Civilization and Barbarism 1 Introduction 2 Civilization and Barbarism 3 Civilization as an Ideal 4 Conclusion Chapter Seven: The Dimensions of Civilization 1 Introduction 2 Man Goes Mad? 3 Complexity and Intelligence: The Role of Critical Thinking 4 Continuity: The Place of Order and Tradition 5 The Vitality of a Civilization: Emotion and the Place of Religion 6 Conclusion Chapter Eight: Conclusion Bibliography Index