Business Quote by Robin G. Collingwood
“The chief business of seventeenth-century philosophy was to reckon with seventeenth-century science... the chief business of twentieth-century philosophy is to reckon with twentieth-century history.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophy Book: The Idea of History, 1936
Philosophy shifts focus from scientific foundations to interpreting historical contexts, reflecting changing intellectual priorities.
In simple terms: Philosophy moves from science to history.
Study history to understand modern ideas.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- academic research
- policy making
- cultural criticism
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What historical forces shape today’s philosophy?
- How do we balance science and history?
May overlook scientific rigor in contemporary debates.