Metaphysics or the Philosophy of Consciousness, Phenomenal and Real #250494

Essay, in the meaning of the word Metaphysics — a word formerly appropriated to the ontology and pneumato logy of the schools, but now understood as equally applicable to all those inquiries which have for their Object to trace the various branches of human know ledge to their first principles in the constitution of our nature. This change, he continues, can be ao counted for only by a change in the philosophical pursuits of Locke's successors — a change from the idle abstractions and subtleties of the dark ages, to studies subservient to the culture of the understanding; to the successful exercise of its faculties and powers and to a knowledge of the great ends and purposes of our being. It may be regarded, therefore, as a palpable and incontrovertible proof of a corresponding progress of reason in this part Of the world.