PREFACE THE general purpose of the following work is to show that in the Human Mind we possess a sound basis of Knowledge; that our faculties faithfully used, are trustworthy and adequate to execute their legitimate work; that the special task of the philosopher is to collate and interpret the reports of his faculties to the best of his ability, and that the results thus obtained, are all we can have for knowledge. In other words, the Grammar of Philosophy is a development of what is commonly known as the Scottish Philosophy, and requires that we shall resolutely follow the guidance of the Common Sense whithersoever it leads, and as resolutely refuse to go where it does not lead. With Dr. M'Cosh, "I have no faith whatever in a metaphysic which pretends to do any more than determine in an inductive manner the laws and faculties of the mind, and in doing so, to ascertain, formulise and express the fundamental principles of cognition, belief, judgment and moral good." I am of opinion that the Bedlam confusions of the Schools, ancient and modern, have mainly arisen from their failure to observe and conform to the laws of this method; that a consistent and satisfactory theory of Knowledge and of Life can only be found in, established on, and illuminated by, the dictates and the sanctions of the Common Sense. WE MUST OBSERVE THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE FINITE AND THE INFINITE. THE HUMAN MIND IS ONLY FINITE; AND UNDER THIS LIMITATION, THE UNIVERSE AND ITS CONTENTS STAND TO IT IN ONE OR OTHER OF FOUR RELATIONSHIPS: FIRSTLY, AS KNOWN; OR, SECONDLY, AS KNOWABLE; OR, THIRDLY, 2. Concerning the Origin of Matter 3. Concerning the Existence of the Supreme Being |