REVIEWS OF BOOKS.
Philosophy in Brown University. New York, imported by Charles
Scribner's Sons, 1894.—pp. xvi, 460.This book has much to commend it, but nothing more than the fine moral spirit of the author which breathes through all parts and especially through those sections describing the concrete moral life of mankind. It is a pity that the work is not more popular; it would have been edifying reading for the average educated man as a discourse on morality. The style lends itself to such a purpose. It is clear, slightly rhetorical, instinct with literary feeling, and abounding in allusion and quotation. But the contents of the volume are not adapted to the taste of the uninitiated. Analysis and criticism, history and philosophy, theory and practice alike enter into its composition. Indeed, I have often asked myself in reading the work for what class of readers it was intended; and even now I am unable to answer the question satisfactorily. It is not suitable to the capacity of the general public or even the educated portion of it; it is too technical for their understanding. For a treatise addressed to the professional philosopher it contains much historical and other matter that might well have been omitted. Probably it is best adapted for use by students, though merely as a text-book it would have been improved by condensation at some points and expansion at others. Nevertheless, it is a very interesting and suggestive volume; and no one can read it without getting fresh light on the ethical problems of the day or (it may be added) without finding his own moral life quickened and strengthened. It is personality that touches us; and one knows in reading this book that the author has put himself into it. Versed in the history of ethical thought, he is yet not awed by the great names on its calendar, from Socrates and Plato and Aristotle down to Kant and Hegel and Spencer; and dares to set down as solutions of the greatest problems which can occupy the human mind those views which approve themselves to his own judgment, whether they be old or whether they be new. Independence of thought and comprehensiveness of view are the leading notes of Professor Seth's work.
