Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1862-02-13
iFor the Bradford Reporter.)
Science Of TeaChing---No. 2.

IN our first article we reached the concIu-
sion that the fundamental principles Of the sci
eBce Of teaching are to be found in the laws of
action and deyelopemeut of the mind.
These it is the province of mental phil0So-
phv to degelope Before entering upon their
consideration, we deem it proper to offer few
remarks in regard to the use and abuse of
philosophy.
Its bane in all days seem to have been in
its use alone to establish or discover facts !;
whereas its true province is, to trace or diScov-
v er reations-to give the why's and wherefore
As mans obligations are mainly determined
II by his relations. it will be seen that the cor
rectness Of his philosophy, will he the measure
Of the correctness Of his estimation Of his ob-
Igations. Perhaps in TO department of hu-
man knowledge, is there greater necessity for
care than in the study of nature ana scope
of the powers and faculties Con has given US,
as by these, and with them, We estimate our
obligations to him.
Philosophy has been charged with leading
TO skepticism and infdslity. The grounds for
such charges arise probably from its abuse.
In tracing relation from the known to the
unknown, lie fault SEEMS to lie, in consider
ing reasoning sufficient to determine construc
liOu or theoretical facts, as actualIties, exist
ing external TO the mind without the aid of
observation.
Our philosophical faculties receive their
primary education, mainly in the department
Of numbers and quantity and our success there,
gyes US confidence and presumption, which
kads Us astray il other spheres of action, where
active principles aud agencies prevail The
III l.. 49, rf,.r
II Of manure has increased his product twenty
Arlshes, might reason that five times the guam
ily would increase it one hundred bushels -
III % the physician might argue, that if certain
III Cuautty of medicine had produced a desired
M fleet 10 a given time, that twice that guam
IL tly could produce the effect in half the time
Practice based upon such reasoning with
oOt being corrected by observation, would
n lead to disastrous results. Yet speculative
A Philosophers adopt similar course where it
IS Impossible to verify their concluS ons by
observation. They construct theories and re-
VOve them 10 their minds until they have all
the weight and Importance of facts, and not
unl'eqaenty treat others uncharitably because
they do Tot SO regard them. Those who the
O0le much are apt to give undue weight to
mere reasoning, yielding to its high authority,
aS anoTdng better grounds of belief than com
lolFePortS of facts, or common observation.
Uar only safe course seems to be the care
vi exercise OF our reasoning powers, in con-
a'cuon with close observation OF facts. The
boundary liue between knowledge and belief,
%ynS never to have been very definitely set
|a' Or ScrupuIously regarded Man might as
% "'A deny The fact of bis existence as to deny
", .e evidence of his senses. For be can prove
= !. 10 no other way. If he sees cause for doubt
gone he may call others TO his aid. This
Nurse he should also pursue, in regard to his
~'n'aI conception or conclusion.
might be interesting 10 review the vari.
'~ speculative opinions which have been ad-
,-1'ed III different ages of the worlds history,
S%Ocera'ng the nature, location, action, and
T'gopement Of the mind But as we could
" -, rahe little practical benefit theretrom, we
s't I Got occupy space Tor that purpose. Our
s tat knowledge extends only to its manifesto
wv, svus as connected with the body These come
,,sI "nn the range of our perceptions, aud
w. w therefore, legitimate subjects for our in
~ sSugaton. The grand divisions under which
s,si s,si are arranged for study, by those cousid
~ sS the best authors, are, the intellect, the !