The Problem Of Metaphysics And The Meaning Of Metaphysical Explanation

The Problem of Metaphysics and the Meaning of Metaphysical Explanation

The Problem of Metaphysics and the Meaning of Metaphysical Explanation

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The Problem of Metaphysics and the Meaning of Metaphysical Explanation

Excerpt from The Problem of Metaphysics and the Meaning of Metaphysical Explanation: An Essay in Definitions In this preface it may not be amiss explicitly to state cer tain convictions implied in the thinking here out-wrought. First there is a conviction that metaphysic is not a science of things ultimate in the cosmos, but of things ultimate in human life and destiny and ultimate only for human in sight; that consequently, metaphysical solutions must change as the human outlook changes, and that the way of our thought must develop as our powers of intuition become enlarged. No final metaphysical solution is possible, because so long as human intelligence broadens metaphysical truth must alter. It is not independent nor static, but exists for knowledge alone. That there is need to-day of a new metaphysic, a new vision of man's destiny, a new and virile exaltation of his ideals, - this, too, is a conviction underlying these writings. But the time for the great work is not yet. First must be written. As unmistakably as the century past has written the body's genesis, the genesis and evolution of the mind. To this task the natural sciences and the science of history, the varied branches of anthropology, psychology, philosophy in its manifold fields, all must contribute. And when the task is performed, or even in large part performed, forth shall arise the new synthesis, the new world-vision, and it shall be in evitable in its inspiration. But before that day we who hope for the advent must cleanse and order our house of thought, we must come to an understanding with ourselves and achieve some sane understanding of the metaphysic where with we were born. It is for the furthering of this humbler, but not unessential end, that this essay was written. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.