Philosophy and Psychology

Abstract

HOWEVER difficult and technical philosophy may be to-day, its purpose is still practical: knowledge and happiness are and remain fundamental urges of man, which cannot be brushed aside by a simple pronouncement of modern science that man is completely unimportant in the economy of the world. The only way to replace philosophy in that lofty station it should occupy in our interests, is to bring it back to the market place without stripping it of its academic dignity. This Prof. Dixon does with conspicuous success. In keeping with the intentions of the founder of the Gifford Lectures, the author discusses the evolution theory, personality, responsibility and determinism, relativity, quantum mechanics, original sin, Christianity and Buddhism, and all the major problems of thought and conduct in a 'popular' manner, by using words of daily speech in the sense to which we are all accustomed and with the purpose of being more easily followed. The Human Situation: the Gifford Lectures delivered in the University of Glasgow, 1935–1937. By W. Macneile Dixon. Pp. 438. (London: Edward Arnold and Co., 1937.) 18s. net.