Abstract
Abstract This article explores the abiding relevance of Croce’s last book in the philosophy of history, which, due its publication during the war has always been neglected. After discussing the context of Croce’s antagonism to the anti-historicist tendencies of his own times, the book is interpreted as theoretical underpinning of Croce’s ‘ethico-political’ histories by which he sought to close the gap between historical thinking and action. This he does on the basis of a sophisticated realist ontology, which is still relevant for contemporary philosophy of history.
Highlights
After discussing the context of Croce’s antagonism to the anti-historicist tendencies of his own times, the book is interpreted as theoretical underpinning of Croce’s ‘ethico-political’ histories by which he sought to close the gap between historical thinking and action. This he does on the basis of a sophisticated realist ontology, which is still relevant for contemporary philosophy of history
On Wednesday 3 September 1930, the world-famous philosopher, historian, literary critic and anti-fascist dissident Benedetto Croce began his speech for the Seventh International Conference of Philosophy in Oxford with the following clarion call: ‘More or less in every people of Europe, in the various spheres of intellectual, artistic, moral and political life, a sort of decadence of historical consciousness, if not an outright anti-historical attitude is being noticed.’[1]
Having a common conceptual ground, Croce warned his audience, the two forms of anti-historicism shift into each other: anarchists may turn into authoritarians, demagogues into gendarmes.[5]
Summary
On Wednesday 3 September 1930, the world-famous philosopher, historian, literary critic and anti-fascist dissident Benedetto Croce began his speech for the Seventh International Conference of Philosophy in Oxford with the following clarion call: ‘More or less in every people of Europe, in the various spheres of intellectual, artistic, moral and political life, a sort of decadence of historical consciousness, if not an outright anti-historical attitude is being noticed.’[1].
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