Abstract

This paper considers Michael Oakeshott's philosophy in the light of the comparison with the idealism of Croce and Collingwood. It focuses on the relationship between different spiritual forms and on the role of philosophy. The paper shows the grounds of Oakeshott's refusal of a possible synthesis and of any hierarchy between different modes of experience. In so doing, it reveals Oakeshott's critique of any teleology in knowledge and of the connection between historical and logical development. On the other hand, it considers Oakeshott's conceptions about the dialectical and critical nature of philosophy. Overall, the paper illustrates the originality and the consistency of Oakeshott's interpretation of idealism.