XXX 



THE QUESTION OF QUESTIONS 



THE question of questions is the concern of phi- 

 losophy which is the quest of reality. Hence 

 we may divide all schools of philosophic thought 

 into two great categories those which believe 

 that they have found the answer to this question, 

 and those which believe that it is unanswerable. 



Truth not being determinable by a counting of 

 heads, however distinguished, we need not expect 

 to reach any conclusion as to whether or not re- 

 ality is knowable, by citation of the authorities 

 for or against. Perhaps the great names are equal- 

 ly balanced ; and perhaps exception might be taken 

 to any off-hand attempt to assign the great think- 

 ers to one or other category. But Plato (?) and 

 Kant, Spinoza and Spencer may be named as 

 representative of those who, though widely differ- 

 ing among themselves, agree in denying that the 

 ultimate reality can be known. The terms nou- 

 menon, thing - in - itself , and unknowable may be 

 recalled; while even "the God-intoxicated" Spi- 

 noza, who spoke of Deus sive Natura, declared that 

 "to define God is to deny Him." 

 321 



