1 2 INTRODUCTORY. 



validity of which could not be affected by any meta- 

 physical interpretation that might be apphed to 

 them, together with the mutual contradictions of 

 philosophic theories, has produced the semblance 

 of their complete separation, and suggested the 

 idea that science and metaphysics are two inde- 

 pendent and mutually irrelevant branches of know- 

 ledge. But should we not rather cherish the hope 

 of a final reconciliation of these three speculative 

 activities, of such a harmony of all the elements of 

 thought as is worthy of their common parentage, 

 and as will enable all in the end to subserve in 

 unison to the attainment of the perfect life ? May 

 not the appearances of the world be connected 

 with its ultimate nature, i.e., science with meta- 

 physics, and may not the true religion be but the 

 emotional aspect of the true philosophy '^. 



To such a consummation these discussions may 

 perhaps in some measure pave the way ; they may 

 contribute some material to bridge the Sea of 

 Doubt, to mark a track across the Slough of De- 

 spond, and thus to smooth the rough paths of 

 virtue ; nor need we be dissatisfied if our successors 

 trample under foot the stepping-stones we have 

 collected, and thus at length attain the promised 

 goal. 



§ 9. We have seen hitherto that no serious de- 

 fence of the positivist attitude could be made on the 

 ground of its desirability. It could not seriously 

 be maintained that it was better in itself for us not 

 to know anything beyond our present environment. 

 It turns out to be impossible to separate the ''posit- 

 ive knowledge" of science from its metaphysical 

 presuppositions ; it was an undertaking justified 

 neither by their common origin nor by the essential 



