book surveys the whole field of social philosophy in a masterly manner. No one should attempt to read it who is not practiced in philosophical thinking, and familiar with some of the most influential ancient and modern systems of philosophy. Clergymen will especially appreciate the correlation of sociology with many phases of religious philosophy.
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Titles 3-5 inclusive are virtually in the department of methodology. To these should be added:
6. The series of papers now appearing in this Journal by Professor Lester F. Ward. They will constitute a most valuable introduction to sociology. Professor Ward does not present these papers strictly as fresh contributions to sociology, but he desires to have them regarded as restatements of familiar positions, or as elaborations of views which have been taken for granted. We may be permitted to say that his own estimate of the importance of the series is much below that which other competent critics will reach.
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It would seem that a science about the methodology of which so much has been written must be comparatively advanced. On the contrary there are in English only two published attempts, on a somewhat comprehensive scale, to formulate a sociology. First in order of time was:
7. Herbert Spencer—
- (a) First Principles.
- (b) Principles of Sociology, 2 vols.
- (c) Principles of Ethics, 2 vols.
Although the second of these titles (2 vols.) are alone designated sociology, Mr. Spencer's system has to be gathered from the five volumes named, not to mention his important essays.
It is not now in place to point out the peculiarities or the limitations of Mr. Spencer's system. We content ourselves with the single remark that even if we find it necessary to revise all his specific conclusions; and even if his anthropological data prove to be entirely insufficient for the sort of induction which he has attempted, he deserves to be studied as an index of the work which must be done by collectors before we shall be in possession of the material of one most essential sort for the construction of sociology. In logical and chronological succession we name:
8. Professor Lester F. Ward—
- (a) Dynamic Sociology.
- (b) The Psychic Factors of Civilization.
