Abstract

Evidently an estimate of the history of American thought is in large part consequent on an interpretation of the value of the history of philosophy in its own right. This is complicated, however, by the fact that the history of philosophy itself has been treated in at least three ways. In each of these it is a record of doctrines, opinions, or views; but it must of course be more than a merely chronological account of verbal formulations. Interpretation is necessary even where not admitted, and interpretation has as a consequence principles of selection and organization. It is in terms of these that three competing views can be distinguished.