Philosophy of Mind

THIS book is an essay in the speculative treatment of certain problems, suggested but not usually discussed in the course of a thorough empirical study of mental phenomena.

Inasmuch as these problems all relate to the real nature and actual performances and relations of the human mind, the essay nay properly be called metaphysical. Let it be confessed, then, that the author comes forward with a treatise in metaphysics,- in the more special meaning of that term. I think, however, that in spite of the marked disfavor into which all metaphysics has fallen in certain quarters, no detailed apology for asking readers for such a treatise need be offered in its Preface.

Indeed, the first two chapters of the book are occupied in showing how inevitable is the demand which the science of psychology makes for a further philosophical discussion of all its principal problems. If, then, this demand is not made perfectly clear hy the more detailed discussion which follows, it would be quite use-less to put it forward unsupported, at the beginning of my task, in the hope of producing a favorable first impression upon reluctant intelligences.