History of Cambridge Idealism : Reception, Influence, and Legacy

A History of Cambridge Idealism fills a gap in the history of modern philosophy. Focused on Trinity College between the turn of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, it offers the first-ever account of philosophical idealism at Cambridge. From wholehearted acceptance to outright rejection, it explores the various kinds of interactions philosophers had with idealism, covering key aspects of this tradition’s introduction, reception, influence, and legacy.

What emerges is a surprising lineage of both forgotten and world-renowned philosophers, including Coleridge, Whewell, Grote, Sidgwick, Ward and Stout as well as McTaggart, Moore, Russell, C.D. Broad, Wittgenstein and Oakeshott. Some of the chapters put long-neglected figures back on the intellectual map, adding to recent efforts to broaden the philosophical canon. Other chapters present original accounts of more well-known names, offering fresh interpretations that situate their work and ideas within the philosophical climate of their alma mater and beyond.

Taken together, this collection brings together an exciting team of scholars to present a rich, detailed picture of Cambridge philosophy, taking the study of British Idealism beyond its traditional focus as well as providing new insights into the historical roots of analytical philosophy.