Philosophy of nature.
Publisher: Prentice-Hall
Published: 1961
Place of publication: Englewood Cliffs, N.J
Language: eng
Number of pages: 306
Subjects: Philosophy of nature.
Description: In his book "The Idea of Nature," Francis J. Collingwood explores how humanity's understanding of nature has evolved through the Classical, Enlightenment, and post-Darwinian periods, aiming to clarify the concept of nature as it relates to both science and philosophy. 
Here's a more detailed overview:
Focus of the Book:
Collingwood's primary goal is to examine and clarify the concept of "nature" as it's understood in both natural science and philosophical thought. 
Historical Periods:
He analyzes the evolution of the idea of nature across three key periods:
Classical Period: This period encompasses ancient Greek and Roman views of nature. 
Enlightenment Period: This period marks a shift towards rational and scientific inquiry into the natural world. 
Post-Darwinian Period: This period addresses the impact of Darwin's theory of evolution on our understanding of nature. 
Collingwood's Perspective:
While Collingwood was writing before the full implications of the post-Darwinian period could be fully understood, he provides a valuable framework for understanding the changing conceptions of nature. 
Easy to Read, Addresses Big Questions:
The book is considered an accessible read, yet it tackles complex and fundamental questions about the nature of reality and our place within it.
Notes: Includes bibliography.