This book by the Professor of Logic and Metaphysics at the University of Aberdeen is made up of an Introduction and nine ' Studies" or essays with the following titles: (1) Anthropomorphism and Truth; (II) The Realistic Character of Knowledge; (III) Certain Non-Logical Factors in the Process of Knowledge; (IV) The Nature of Memory-Knowledge; (V) The Function of Emotion in the Consciousness of the Real; (VI) The Significance of Philosophical Skepticism; (VII) The Place of Philosophy in Human Nature; (VIII) Science and the ...
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This book by the Professor of Logic and Metaphysics at the University of Aberdeen is made up of an Introduction and nine ' Studies" or essays with the following titles: (1) Anthropomorphism and Truth; (II) The Realistic Character of Knowledge; (III) Certain Non-Logical Factors in the Process of Knowledge; (IV) The Nature of Memory-Knowledge; (V) The Function of Emotion in the Consciousness of the Real; (VI) The Significance of Philosophical Skepticism; (VII) The Place of Philosophy in Human Nature; (VIII) Science and the Humanities; (IX) Laughter and Tears: The Sense of Incongruity. The philosophical standpoint from which the book is written is indicated in a general way by the title of the book and by certain statements in the preface. "It is not the purpose of these papers," the author writes, "to defend or support any of the familiarly accepted theories, whether of idealism or realism. Human nature is far more interesting and much more important than any theory, and on that account perhaps is tolerant of many theories.... We best avoid the defects of one-sided theories if we follow the path of what Sidgwick used to call critical common sense, and hold to the natural solidarity of human experience to which it clings. . . . The best service which philosophy can render at the present time is that of supplying a criticism of life." The different essays are all concerned with human nature in its theoretical aspects, but the author suggests a purpose to treat on another occasion of the problems of morality and civic institutions which the upheaval of the present time has forced into prominence Professor Baillie's discussions are characterized by great clearness and independence of thought. His book is no hasty production, but is marked by literary finish and gives evidence of wide reading and careful thinking. One may disagree in the end with many of the author's conclusions, but will scarcely fail to be stimulated and instructed by his acute analyses and his frank criticisms of philosophical systems. It is against idealism, especially as held by Mr. Bradley and Dr. Bosanquet, that he most often directs his attack; but he also sometimes finds occasion to point out the errors of pragmatism and modern realism in convincing terms. It would not be altogether fair to the more constructive sides of Professor Baillie's work to say that the book is the expression of disillusionment with historical systems of philosophy. Nevertheless it is hard altogether to avoid this suggestion. Both in the Introduction and in the essay entitled "The Place of Philosophy in Human Nature," the defects and limitations of philosophy are emphasized. "This review of the want of unanimity between philosophers and the failure of philosophy to reach certainty on the main issues discussed, must give any candid mind ground for reflection concerning the claims of the philosopher to supply the final or the whole meaning of reality" (p. 81). "The philosophical mood has no better justification than any special instinct, or than any rare intuition. . . . When philosophers try to prove the problem of philosophy to be necessary in the sense that the very nature of humanity involves it, they are merely accentuating the importance of philosophy to themselves by saying that this is the special way a human mind works in their particular case" (p. 198). It is fortunate that critics are never lacking to laugh at the philosopher's pride and to force him to moderate his pretensions. But after all there is another side to the matter. May not a sense of disillusionment with systematic philosophy be the result of having cherished excessive or wrong expectations? One cannot legitimately demand the same type of demonstration in philosophy that one finds, for example, in mathematics or in biology.... - The Philosophical Review , Volume 30 [1921]
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Add this copy of Studies in Human Nature to cart. $17.51, poor condition, Sold by Anybook rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Lincoln, UNITED KINGDOM, published 1922 by G. Bell & Sons.
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This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside. This book has hardback covers. In poor condition, suitable as a reading copy. No dust jacket. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item, 600grams, ISBN:
Add this copy of Studies in Human Nature to cart. $20.57, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 2023 by Legare Street Press.
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Add this copy of Studies in Human Nature to cart. $31.26, good condition, Sold by Anybook rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Lincoln, UNITED KINGDOM, published 1921 by G. Bell & Sons.
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This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside. This book has hardback covers. In good all round condition. No dust jacket. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item, 1100grams, ISBN:
Add this copy of Studies in Human Nature to cart. $31.69, new condition, Sold by Ria Christie Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Uxbridge, MIDDLESEX, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2023 by Legare Street Press.
Add this copy of Studies in Human Nature to cart. $40.84, new condition, Sold by Ria Christie Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Uxbridge, MIDDLESEX, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2023 by Legare Street Press.
