CHAPTER II 



MONISM 



MONISM, which is an adaptation of pantheism to the 

 natural sciences and to the evolutionist hypothesis, is 

 a very attractive theory. On the one hand it simplifies 

 high philosophy conformably to scientific principle and 

 method, by reducing it to a single hypothesis; and, on 

 the other, it is in evident agreement with the evolutionary 

 synthesis as a whole, as applicable to the universe and 

 the individual. 



The pantheistic philosophy presents an aspect of 

 undeniable probability, and in the sequel will be seen 

 to be supported by the new psychological concepts. 



Without going outside the natural sciences it can 

 be stated that the mechanical, determinist, and teleo- 

 logical concepts which have been the subject of endless 

 philosophical controversy are easily reconciled in the 

 pantheistic synthesis; while apart from that synthesis 

 they are without positive foundation and remain vain 

 and sterile speculations. Apart from the pantheistic 

 philosophy, all concepts of the universe which claim to 

 be scientific, come to this: 



That * the evolution of the universe is determined 

 by the mechanical addition of new elements to the 

 primitive elements, these increments giving rise to a 

 more and more perfect and complex whole.' 



Facts, however, are against this hypothesis. As 

 M. Bergson remarks, ' a single glance at the develop- 

 ment of an embryo shows that life does proceed by the 

 association and addition of new elements, but by the 

 fission and dissociation of the old.* 



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