Some Difficulties of Modern Materialism [pp. 344-372]

TI[E PRINCE7'ON RE VIEW.
the other. If it were possible to reason, to examine the grounde.
of each belief, to compare them with some inner standard of truth,
and to accept or reject accordingly, it would be otherwise; but
as it is, both are at once logically groundless and necessarilyproduced. We do not claim that these considerations prove
the fact of freedom; but we do claim that whoever will follow
them to their consequences will see that freedom and rationality
stand or fall together. A common assertion of the advanced
thoughts is that freedom would make science impossible. It is
well, then, to set up the counter-claim that without freedom
there could be neither philosophy nor science.
It is strange how old delusions haunt us. Throughout this
paper we have assumed that a power of reasoning is possible,
and that there is such a thing in thought as sound logic. Hence
we have assumed to judge and criticise as if logic were still in
existence. While we have allowed the nerves to be all, we have
assumed to remain as a critical spectator of their performances.
We have also treated the materialist as if he had power at least
over his thinking; and we have urged him to rectify his views,.
as if that were possible. And all thinkers of every school make
the same assumption. The advanced thinker complains of the
conservative that he fails to draw the most obvious conclusions; and this failure is even made the ground now and then
for righteous indignation at the cowardice or dishonesty thus
displayed. On the other hand, the conservative complains of
the advanced thinker that he has not the courage of his opinions, and often falls into grievous backsliding from the faith.
All alike appeal unto logic, and all alike assume both the power
and the duty of being logical. The materialist may have some
doubt of others' power to reason, but he has not the slightest
doubt concerning his own. But these appeals to logic are all
illogical, and show that we are not fairly under the influence of
the new views. It has doubtless been a surprise to all critical
readers to find the materialist so loud in affirmation and so
puzzle-headed in argument, so fierce in his demands for logic
and so backward in furnishing it. Bully Bottom in his two
moods is inevitably suggested. "I will roar you that it will do
any man's heart good to hear me;" but fearing to frighten the
ladies, he changes his mind and resolves, " I will roar you as
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