Self-Creation and History

Self-Creation and History Synopsis

In Self-Creation and History, Michael Hinz focuses on the works of Collingwood and Nietzsche, showing how each construes traditional problems in metaphysics as problems generated in history and through conceptual change. Hinz focuses on two main problems that are intimately connected: (1) how to explain the historical generation and corruption of entire systems of thought and value, and (2) the present task of overcoming the current crises facing Western culture in a creative, progressive way. This study is unique in showing how both Collingwood and Nietzsche can be understood as addressing these problems and as having worked out the theoretical solutions to them. Contents: Introduction; PART I: CONSCIOUSNESS; Consciousness, The Self and Self Knowledge; Art and Language; Valuation and Presupposition; Reason and Refinement; PART II: CONCEPTUAL CHANGE; History, Genealogy; Metaphysics; PART III: CREATIVE CHANGE; Nietzsche: Creative Will; Collingwood: Progressive Mind; Self-Creation and Self-Redemption: Dionysus Versus the Crucified; Abbreviations; Bibliography; Index.