62 PHILOSOPHICAL THOUGHT. 



the most important feature which divides philosophical 



from scientific thought. There exists a much more 



radical difference, and one which affords a deeper insight 



so. into the real nature and aim of philosophy. Probably 



Philosophy 



is inter- the simplest way of letting my readers realise this great 

 interested*" difference is by saying that philosophy is interested, 

 science is disinterested. 



The ideal man of science should care only for the 

 correctness of his observations, the consistency of his 

 inferences, and the formal truthfulness of his calculations 

 and deductions. No higher interest in maintaining a 

 preconceived notion, in serving a practical end, or in 

 supporting a pet theory, should be allowed to interfere 

 with the even and passionless tenor of the scientific 

 judgment. That this does not exist to perfection is the 

 consequence, not of the faulty method of science, but of 

 the frailty of all human nature. The scientific mind 

 should acquire, or try to acquire, an attitude as dispas- 

 sionate and as evenly balanced as that of a judge to 

 whose care the most momentous issues concerning life, 

 happiness, or misery are intrusted. We know from 

 history how many centuries elapsed before the purity 

 of scientific method was not only preached and accepted, 

 but also manifested through practice. We have heard 

 much of the baneful effect of the influence of theological 

 dogmas and metaphysical theories. 



The nineteenth century is justly proud of having finally 

 established and successfully practised the pure scientific 

 method. The greatest representatives of science in all 

 the three countries we are specially interested in have 

 bequeathed to us models of research, conducted without 



