SOCIOLOGY AND FREE-WILL 



the preceding epoch, that even the assertors of 

 the lawlessness of volition are forced to com- 

 mit logical suicide by recognizing the sequence. 

 Thus, whether we contemplate volitions them- 

 selves, or compare their effects, whether we re- 

 sort to the testimony of psychology or to the 

 testimony of history, we are equally compelled 

 to admit that Law is coextensive with all orders 

 of phenomena and with every species of change. 

 It is hardly creditable to the character of the 

 present age for scientific enlightenment that such 

 a statement should need to be made, or that 

 thirty-nine pages of critical argument should be 

 required to illustrate it. To many this chapter will 

 no doubt seem much like an elaborate attempt 

 to prove the truth of the multiplication table. 

 Nevertheless where such a blinding metaphysi- 

 cal dust has been raised, a few drops of the cold 

 water of common sense may be not only harm- 

 less but useful. Having thus done somewhat 

 to clear the air, we may next proceed to point 

 out the way in which social changes conform to 

 the Law of Evolution. 



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