ABSTRACT

Originally published in 1950. For those interested in the fundamental problems of philosophy but not familiar with its technicalities, this book introduces the main type of theory in metaphysics, not by a catalogue of philosophers’ opinions but by a continuous train of reasoning. The central theme is the problem of the relation between Mind and Matter, and in the course of the argument there are discussions of mechanistic materialism, of idealism and our knowledge of the external world, and of the arguments for the existence of God. The problems are presented lucidly but without over-simplification.

chapter I|13 pages

Introduction

chapter II|11 pages

Materialism

chapter III|14 pages

Epiphenomenalism

chapter IV|21 pages

Mind and Brain

chapter V|13 pages

Berkeley’s Criticism of Materialism

chapter VI|19 pages

Phenomenalism

chapter VII|13 pages

Phenomenalism Examined

chapter VIII|8 pages

Idealism

chapter XI|8 pages

Theism and the “Problem of Evil”

chapter XII|17 pages

The Evidence of Religious Experience

chapter XIII|8 pages

Conclusions