CONTENTS.
| PAGE | |
| Chapter I.—Ethics and the Unification of Knowledge. The Philosophical View | [1] |
| Chapter II.—The Scientific View of the Evolution of Ethics | [27] |
| Chapter III.—The Biological View of Ethics | [36] |
| Chapter IV.—The Sociological View | [56] |
| Chapter V.—The Ethical Imperative | [63] |
| Chapter VI.—Systems of Ethics | [75] |
| Chapter VII.—The Evolution of Free Will | [83] |
| Chapter VIII.—Evolution and Religion | [107] |
| Chapter IX.—Summary | [120] |
PREFACE.
This volume completes the critical examination of Mr. Spencer's system of Philosophy already pursued through two previous volumes entitled respectively "On Mr. Spencer's Formula of Evolution," and "On Mr. Spencer's Unification of Knowledge." The entire task has been undertaken by a student for the use of students. It cannot be of much use to the general reader, as it presumes and indeed requires a very intimate knowledge of Mr. Spencer's works. For those who do not wish to enter into detailed examination perhaps Chapter I. of the "Unification of Knowledge" will afford a good epitome of the line of criticism; and this may be followed, if desired, by a perusal of the "Formula of Evolution." It is believed that the most serious piece of criticism against Mr. Spencer's system will be found in the examination of his re-constructive Biology in Chapter V. of the "Unification," and in the examination of the origin of organic molecules commencing at page 30 of the "Formula of Evolution." Evidently of the highest importance in a system of philosophy conceived in the manner in which Mr. Spencer presents it, this point of transition between the inorganic and the organic with its dependent histories is of the very deepest fundamental interest, and upon the question whether it is well or badly treated depends the practical value of his philosophy as applied to human concerns.