Cfp: "The Empire of Idealism," R.G. Collingwood Society Conference, Monash University Conference Centre in Prato, Italy, July 19-22, 2010.

Philosophical Idealism dominated British and British Empire universities from the 1880s to the 1920s. At this time the influence of Idealism could also be found in America through figures such as Josiah Royce, and in Italy in the writings of Benedetto Croce and Giovanni Gentile. As a body of thought Idealism was socially and politically engaged and inspired reform across fields such as education, social welfare, politics and international relations. The conference aims to explore not only the major figures of Idealism but also the social, educational and political influence of Idealism from the 1880s to the mid twentieth century in Britain, Australia, Canada, the United States, South Africa, New Zealand, India, and Italy. Papers would be particularly welcome on R. G. Collingwood's relationship to Idealism, or to any of the above issues or people. Abstracts of no more than 500 words to be sent by 15 December 2009 to the conference organisers: Associate Professor Marnie Hughes-Warrington, Macquarie University, Sydney (mhughesw@humn.mq.edu.au) or Dr Ian Tregenza. Macquarie University, Sydney (ian.tregenza@mq.edu.au).