Leo Strauss's critique of historicism: the example of R. G. Collingwood
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https://doi.org/10.5902/2357797593172Keywords:
Leo Strauss, Historicism, R. G. CollingwoodAbstract
One of the nuclear aspects of Leo Strauss’s philosophical-political reflection is, certainly, his critique of the phenomenon of historicism. In the author’s view, historicism is the dominant trend in contemporary thought, which the ultimate effect is the degradation of political philosophy and the dulling of the human capacity to assert political judgments. This article aims to explain and clarify Strauss’s critique of the British philosopher Robin George Collingwood (1889-1943), considered one of the most emblematic examples of historicism. To this end, it is important to present: (i) the definition of historicism in Strauss’s view; (ii) Collingwood’s main theses and his understanding of history and philosophy; (iii) Strauss’s objections; and, finally, (iv) the repercussion of Strauss’s critique among some commentators and interpreters. Following this presentation, we will see how Strauss remains in opposition to Collingwood and to what extent we can agree, or not, with him.
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