REVIEWS 671 



relativity of all knowledge, and the discussion roams over the whole realm 

 of science, religion, politics, and literature. 



It is possible to find some analogy between the mathematical theory 

 developed by Einstein and the theory of knowledge here presented. In 

 the realm of physics matter, objective or absolute, is that which persists 

 in all possible views of it. The theory of relativity in physics might well 

 be called a theory of the absolute. For the laws of physics are taken to be 

 just such laws as are true, no matter what system of describing them may be 

 adopted. In the general theory of knowledge developed by Lord Haldane, 

 knowledge, the absolute, is to be inferred from a consideration of all possible 

 points of view. If that which is said of knowledge from one point of view 

 contradicts that which is said from another point of view, then there is 

 inaccuracy somewhere. Science and religion, for instance, cannot be con- 

 tradictory, though they may not say the same thing ; they are approaching 

 experience from different aspects. Here comes in a difference between the 

 case of physical relativity and that of the general problem considered by 

 Lord Haldane. In the former we are dealing with the same phenomena 

 looked at from various points of view. In the latter, the various points of 

 view correspond to the selection of different groups of phenomena. Religion 

 is the consideration of one field of human experience, politics of another. 

 These fields overlap, but are not co-extensive. 



" The final and complete truth cannot be less than a systematic whole 

 of knowledge within which all particular and partial outlooks have their 

 places as levels or degrees in knowledge. It is therefore from above, and 

 not from underneath, from what is concrete and individual, and not from 

 abstractions only derivative from it, that we must seek to inquire, if we 

 would strive to realise the ideal of bringing the whole under a final and 

 adequate conception, and of so obtaining the whole truth." 



The consideration of such an ideal is clearly related to a highly developed 

 view of the State as a community organised for the allowing of the fullest 

 opportunity for the development of all kinds of thought and activity in 

 harmonious co-operation. The healthy community is that in which all 

 contribute their best to the organic whole. An autocracy cannot be con- 

 sistent with such an ideal, for it involves the domination of many points 

 of view by one. The leaders in the ideal community will not be men intent 

 on getting something done, but on the development of all the variety of 

 power of thought and action latent within its members. Education of the 

 most liberal type will be the dominant note of such a community. 



With this thought of the relativity of all particular modes of thought. 

 Lord Haldane traverses the various views that have been put forward as to 

 the nature of the real, from the Greeks to the New Realists. We are taught 

 to see the history of philosophy as evolving progressively a lasting view of 

 the foundation of reality, a view remaining substantially constant in varying 

 forms, despite temporary changes due to alterations in modes of approach 

 attributable to periods and circumstances. 



This is not the place for a critical discussion of Lord Haldane's philosophy. 

 It is a generous and warm-hearted piece of thought. It finds room for each 

 within its borders as rendering to the whole of knowledge a contribution 

 which no other ran render. 



In his discussion of the particular phase of relativity which has brought 

 the word to the notice of the world at large in recent days. Lord Haldane 

 seeks bravely to give his impression of what the mathematicians are talk- 

 ing about, but he does not succeed in extracting the essence of the matter 

 entirely from the husk of mathematical terminology, and, after all, confesses 

 that it is not easy to do so. The mathematicians who have essayed to give 

 a popular exposition, and have received little recognition of the success of 

 their efforts, will take new courage from his words. E. C 



