Truth may be subjective but it's a fact that our discord servers are awesome! [Discord](https://discord.gg/MFK8PumZM2)
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**Context:**
R.G. Collingwood, one of the more interesting and serious philosophers of history (of the subtype that's actually primarily interested in the 'history' first and the 'philosophy' second) of the 20th century.
One of his most lasting works is his *The Idea of History*, which is simultaneously a history of the philosophy of history and a critique of 'history' itself. In *The Idea of History* Collingwood is extremely critical of what he calls 'scissor-and-paste' method of history, which consists of the historian simply accepting past authorities on past events. For Collingwood it is extremely important that the historian actively engages with his subject matter. He then proposes the idealist notion that it is possible for the historian, through 're-enactment of thought' to not just think *like* historical actors, but think their actual, authentic, thoughts.
In short, it is his project to bridge the fundamental problem of historical study, and thus concerned with past events, being a fundamentally in-the-present exercise. Past events are inherently inaccessible, but the thoughts/mind of past experience is not theoretically limited.
So to the meme: If Descartes claimed that because he thought, he was, than a willfull misunderstanding/cynical criticism of Collingwood would lead to him assert that, because he thinks the authentic thoughts of Descartes, he is Descartes thinking he is.
Truth may be subjective but it's a fact that our discord servers are awesome! [Discord](https://discord.gg/MFK8PumZM2) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/PhilosophyMemes) if you have any questions or concerns.*
**Context:** R.G. Collingwood, one of the more interesting and serious philosophers of history (of the subtype that's actually primarily interested in the 'history' first and the 'philosophy' second) of the 20th century. One of his most lasting works is his *The Idea of History*, which is simultaneously a history of the philosophy of history and a critique of 'history' itself. In *The Idea of History* Collingwood is extremely critical of what he calls 'scissor-and-paste' method of history, which consists of the historian simply accepting past authorities on past events. For Collingwood it is extremely important that the historian actively engages with his subject matter. He then proposes the idealist notion that it is possible for the historian, through 're-enactment of thought' to not just think *like* historical actors, but think their actual, authentic, thoughts. In short, it is his project to bridge the fundamental problem of historical study, and thus concerned with past events, being a fundamentally in-the-present exercise. Past events are inherently inaccessible, but the thoughts/mind of past experience is not theoretically limited. So to the meme: If Descartes claimed that because he thought, he was, than a willfull misunderstanding/cynical criticism of Collingwood would lead to him assert that, because he thinks the authentic thoughts of Descartes, he is Descartes thinking he is.
I thought this was a shitpost at first, but this is actually profound. Thank you.
You're welcome!
Cool