CHAPTER XL 



THE QUESTION STATED. 



We have now accomplished our preliminary task of defining 

 and illustrating the scope and methods of Cosmic Philosophy, 

 and are prepared to begin the work of constructing a theory 

 of the universe out of the elements which science can 

 furnish. It will accordingly become necessary for us to pass 

 in review the sciences systematized in the eighth chapter, 

 that we may be enabled to contemplate the widest truths 

 which they severally reveal, as corollaries of some ultimate 

 truth. In undertaking this task, there are two opposite 

 courses, either of which we might pursue, though with 

 differing degrees and kinds of success. On the one hand, we 

 might begin with a survey of the concrete sciences ; and 

 having ascertained the most general truths respectively 

 formulated by astronomy, geology, biology, psychology, and 

 sociology, we might interpret all these truths in common by 

 merging them all in a single widest generalization concerning 

 the concrete universe as a whole ; and lastly, through an 

 analysis of this widest generalization we might seek the 

 ultimate axiom by which the validity of our conclusions is 

 certified. Or, on the other hand, we might begin by searching 

 directly for this ultimate axiom ; and having found it, we 

 might proceed to deduce from it that widest generalization 



