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REV. F. STORES TURNER, B.A., ON 



a firm grip of the original datum, we proceed to examine this 

 more closely. As it appears to us at first sight, it is a vast and 

 indefinite multitude, in which, by degrees, classes of like things 

 are discerned. But on attentive consideration the multitude is 

 seen to consist of a duality, ourselves and our environment.. 

 Inasmuch as this fact is the justification of our definition, it 

 behoves us to consider it with the closest attention. In the first 

 place it is obvious and self-evident that we ourselves as a class 

 of animals are a part of things in general. We are visible and 

 tangible things, to ourselves, and to each other. We are like 

 one another, and we are different from other animals. We 

 indubitably are a kind of beings, forming one small fraction of 

 the innumerable whole. On this ground alone, our right to 

 select ourselves as the subject-matter of a special study could not 

 reasonably be disputed. But the case is much stronger than, 

 this. We are not given merely as a single kind on a level with 

 countless other kinds ; the whole given fact comes to us, as a 

 whole or multiplicity consisting of ourselves and other things : 

 a natural division is given in and along with the original datum. 

 For the being given is only one-half of the fact, the being received 

 is the other half. Without the receiving there could be no 

 giving. We are not only visible and tangible things ; we are 

 also conscious, intelligent observers of things ; we are able to 

 receive the data ; and so far as we know, we are the only 

 creatures in this globe on which we live who are able thus to 

 receive the given. Consequently, the distinction is recognized 

 as fundamental in philosophy, under the name of subject and 

 object; but unfortunately there is much confusion of thought 

 covered by this phrase ; so that we had better keep to plain 

 language ; ourselves, on the one hand, and everything else, on the 

 other. It is important to note that what is given is & plurality 

 of selves; or perhaps it is still better to describe the datum as 

 a triad rather than a duality ; the self, other selves, and the 

 environment. I may mention here that Der menscliHchc Welt- 

 begriff by Avenarius is an important contribution to the study 

 of the original datum. 



9. Objections. — In metaphysics the dual or trinal character of 

 the given has been and is disputed. Solipsism, the assertion that 

 / alone am the whole real given fact, and that besides me there 

 is nothing else, is not worth notice. The opinion that the 

 environments are as distinct as the individuals is more specious - T 

 but I think the question really is this— is our certainty that we 

 all live in the same world immediately given or is it an 

 inference ? We must not discuss this point. I make no- 



