F. H. Bradley

Earlier discussions of the development of agnosticism and of empiricism demonstrated how an initially quite clear and straightforward position, evolving through dialogue with its rivals, gradually developed into an orientation so complex and multiform that at times it might seem to be pointing in almost the exact opposite direction to that in which it first set out. The final chapter of this book uses an examination of the philosophy of F. H. Bradley to show that exactly the same process of contradictory and complex development holds true of Idealism also. After general consideration of his objections to empiricism and to unknowability, special attention is paid to an early discussion of his on the relativity of knowledge and to Collingwood’s thesis that his philosophy is best understood as polemic against Mansel. The chapter concludes with a consideration of his unorthodox belief that, idealism notwithstanding, reality must be understood transcending thought—a form of realism that which seem to bring his thought back round again to a position not so different from the agnosticism of Hamilton and Mansel from which our story started.