Randall Collins and the ritual dimension of philosophy

Abstract

This paper studies and discusses Randal Collins’ use of the notion of ritual in his book Sociology of Philosophies. Firstly, I defend the pertinence of this use as it contributes to intensifying a distinctive feature of philosophy: reflexivity. Secondly, I specify and criticize Randal Collins’ use of the relation between context and structure. Thirdly, I propose to develop some tools of Erving Goffman’s theory that Collins obliterates specifically the notion of ceremonial rules. Finally, I conclude analyzing the relations between creation, mental illness and self rituals, emphasizing on how the notion of ritual helps to understand some dimensions of intellectual life.