DUALISM 



same dualistic paths. Even Kant's metaphysics is only a 

 new form of it; only its dogmatic character is hidden 

 by the ascription to it of the convenient title of the 

 "critical" system. 



Modem science has opened out to us immense depart- 

 ments of the real world that are accessible to observa- 

 tion and rational inquiry; but it has not taught us a 

 single fact that points to the existence of an immaterial 

 world. On the contrary, it has shown more and more 

 clearly that the supposed world beyond is a pure fiction, 

 and only merits to be treated as a subject for poetry. 

 Physics and chemistry in particular have proved that 

 all phenomena that come under our observation depend 

 on physical and chemical laws, and that all can be traced 

 to the comprehensive and unified law of substance. An- 

 thropogeny has taught us the evolution of man from 

 animal ancestors. Comparative anatomy and physiol- 

 ogy have shown that his mind is a function of the brain, 

 and his will not free ; and that his soul, absolutely bound 

 up with its material organ, passes away at death like 

 the souls of other mammals. Finally, modem cos- 

 mology and cosmogony have found no trace whatever 

 of the existence and activity of a personal and extra- 

 mundane God. All that comes within the range of our 

 knowledge is a part of the material world. 



In his observations on the supersensual world Kant 

 lays stress on the fact that it lies beyond the range of 

 experience, and is known only by faith. Conscience, he 

 thinks, assures us of its existence, but does not give us 

 any idea of its nature ; and so the three central mysteries 

 of metaphysics are mere words without meaning. But, 

 as nothing can be done with mere words, Kant's followers 

 have attempted to put a positive substance into them, 

 generally in relation to traditional ideas and religious 

 dogmas. Not only orthodox Kantians, but even critical 

 philosophers like Schleiden, have dogmatically asserted 



437 



