44 PROCEEDINGS OF THE CANADIAN INSTITUTE. 



serve all ordinary purposes, yet, as has already been evident, as a 

 scientific definition, it is not definite enough even where most 

 applicable ; and when regarded as a general apprehension, it is 

 fallacious. 



But still more than those instances which we liave already men- 

 tioned, there are certain phases of the working of habit apparently 

 not hitherto noticed, which render evident the essential defects in 

 the treatment and explanation oflfered. The phases referred to are 

 the following : — In relation to the will, the increased obedience of 

 our thinking and voluntary powers of mind and body, and at the 

 same time the increased resistance otifered by another portion of our 

 nature, including our emotional and impulsive tendencies, whether 

 appetitive or instinctive. It is in reality j ust at this point that the 

 diflSculties, to Reid and Stewart, appear insuperable ; but it is pi-e- 

 cisely here that, both for speculative and practical purposes, the 

 greatest need becomes felt of a true and comprehensive philosophy 

 of the facts. Our rational or thinking powers, as well as those 

 directly under control of the will — the perceptive and reasoning 

 faculties, the voluntary muscles — while their strength grows by 

 frequent exercise, become continually more prompt in submission to 

 the amndates of the will ; but on the other hand our afFectional and 

 appetitive tendencies, by being indulged grow more and more un- 

 governable by the will acting under the law of reason. Fear, lust, 

 anger, for example, may be cultivated until they become absolute 

 rulers of the individual, until under them one loses all power of 

 rational action, being tossed about hither and tliither, like a cork 

 upon the waves, by forces over which he cannot exercise the least 

 control. This forfeiture of liberty, due to pi'ocedure along certain 

 lines of habit, is something that demands the student's careful con- 

 sideration. It is fraught with lessons of immense practical import- 

 ance, and a thorough understanding of its conditions is necessary ; 

 but it is in vain to look for light to the history of psychological and 

 ethical speculation. We are taught by Holy Writ in many ways 

 that whoso coramitteth sin ensluveth himself, but philosophy has 

 nowhere yet comprehensively seized upon this great fact. 



A review of the phenomena resulting from the law of habit has 

 now been given suffici'ent to show how inadequate the Inductive 

 Method of philosophy as laid down by Lord Bacon must prove for 

 pur])oses of explanation, so long as our knowledge of the facts pos- 



