The M etaphysics of a Naturalist 
37 
This is subject to variation as external forces, b-b, impinge 
on it and resultant activities (c) constitute a trajectory of the 
system as a whole. Now, a-a ^ consciousness, c = effect on 
external observer. In just so far as the locus formula of my 
neighbor is like mine and his external (environmental) elements 
are the same as mine will his consciousness be like mine. It can 
never be identical. The very fact that he is in another place 
means that his experience is Q)Nf)x not {b-h^) as mine is. 
His (c) will be {c)y but y may be almost negligible. Now if 
my locus formula grows so complex as to receive the whole 
series of (6 — b^ — 6'^), my consciousness will from time to time, 
or when complete, exhaust all (a — a'^), and your consciousness 
will be sensibly equal to mine, if likewise extended. Such har- 
mony will result as will make sympathy complete. There will 
be a case when (c) is sensibly parallel to (c'). There will be no 
conflict in our lives. This will not make your consciousness 
mine unless our individuality be merged. There is no such thing 
as summing up the consciousness or experience of two indi- 
viduals. Your career is to me a part of {bNf). It may be in 
antagonistic or in concurrent mode. When nodes of your career 
rhythmically correspond with my rhythm, reinforcement occurs. 
This produces a change in my consciousness. Music produces 
a delightful modification of my consciousness — perhaps also 
of yours — but the appreciation you have does not affect mine 
directly. 
On the above view there can be no such thing as the ^^evolu- 
tion of consciousness’’ as such. One idea does not generate 
another. We grow and, as an expression of a given state, have a 
type of consciousness, — a meaning” of that locus which con- 
stitutes the psychic mode” for that stage. 
corresponds to consciousness a 
corresponds to consciousness b 
C 
corresponds to consciousness c 
But (a) does not produce (6), nor does (6) produce (c). Or to 
be more exact, if consciousness is the egocentric (centripetal) 
