CONTENTS. XXI 



} 6. Our actions : how far from automatic and unconscious, how far 

 from conscious causes. Analysis of the possible kinds of 

 causes allows no room for free-will ... ... ... 129 



7. Logical consequence of free-will, involves the miracle of the 



creation of force or energy ... ... ... ... 132 



8. The power of improving our character does not imply free-will 13 > 



9. Merit and demerit, how far affected by the motive theory ... 1H7 



10. Is punishment justifiable on this theory ? ... ... ... 140 



11. Practical freedom the freedom to pursue desired ends un- 



touched by the theory ... ... ... ... 145 



CHAPTER V. 



ON IMMORTALITY. 



f 1. Verdict of Science: of the physicist, the physiologist, and the 



naturalist ... ... ... ... ... ... 148 



2. Metaphysical theories of the soul. Arguments in favour of 



its immortality. Theological theories of the soul. Immor- 

 tality a revelation, not an inference of reason ... ... 150 



3. Scientific arguments against a future life: (1) From physiology 154 



4. (2) From the Darwinian theory of descent. Natural origin and 



history of the belief in a future life. (3) From evolution in 

 general ; because the human species and all species will dis- 

 appear, and because the earth itself shall perish ... 156 



CHAPTER VI. 



ON IMMORTALITY: COUNTERTHE3IS. 



1. Objections, other than theological, to the scientific arguments : 

 (1) Of the spiritualist; (2) of the mystic. Reply of Posi- 

 tive Science to each ... ... ... ... ... 166 



2. (3) Of the universal human heart founded on the desire to 



meet again our loved ones. Reply of Science ... ... 177 



3. Review of discussion. What Science has proved, what failed to 



prove. A future existence possible without memory of the ' 

 past. Belief of greatest philosophers and poets. Why 

 opinion of great poets is important. Belief of Shakespeare 

 and Goethe ; belief of Kant. Conclusions of Kant and 

 Goethe specially noteworthy because they were also men of 

 science ... ... ... ... ... ... 179 



4. Conclusion maintained: that further conscious existence is 



possible, that existence other than consciousness, and per- 

 haps better, is also possible. Is annihilation possible? ... 185 



5. Is the future one of rewards and punishments ? How far virtue 



and vice have received their wages on earth. Possible ob- 

 jections to conclusion ... ... ... ... 190 



6. Recapitulation : how far a scientific philosophy can believe in 



a future life 194 



