New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-11-13
NEW PUBLICATIONS.
,,orosu,s SCOTTISH PHIL sOpHY,

In the history OF speculative opinion tho iaoors Oh
che Scottish philosophers whose names are iahlhai
10 every student of the intellectual sciences hoa an
important If not highly conspieuoes pace in0
uchool if il may be called makes no pretehsioh
to unity of system II has no body Of metaphysical
doctrine that has been consecutircly developed IN
,he writings of its disciples. They have been bound
togethef by the ties of nationality rather than
NV harmony of sentiment. Among the em,nent
ecotchmen who have contributed to the dis
eusson of philosophical problems, we ma
thinkers no less divergent In opinion IMAM
David Hure James MILL and Thomas brown'
nm the one hand and Thomas Reid, Dugald Stewart.
and SIR William Hamilton, on the other, Still they
NAV ALL N certain sense, trace their mental lineage
10 the Influence of Hume AS Kant was the father OF
Fichte, Schelng, Hegel, and the almost innumer-
able branches into which the speculative thought OF
Germany has rspiifed, so Hume was the intellect
nal rarent of the subsequent philosophers who have
been piuued bg his suggestions into the refutation
of his theories rather than inspired by his genius to
the accordance of his principles. The general tone
of the Scottish school, however, has certain promi-
nent characteristics which fully justify the author
of the present volume in making 1t the subject
of special monograph. In the first place. 1t is dlst"
ruished for its freedom from purely abstract and ideal
specaations. Its foundation is laid In Psychology
with little reference to difficult theological prob
it pursues the method Of observation. In accord
auce with the Baconian principles OF investigation
it subjects the phenomena Of mind TO the same
ANALYSIS and study which are the conditions of sue
cesl in physical research. 1t makes no attempt to
spin out subtle and intangible theories from the
airy creations of fancy. but subjects the facts OF
consciousness to rigid examination, like that OF
The chemist with his crucibe and balance. or the
Psychologist with his scalpel and microscope. In
the next place. as a rule the Scottish writers are
firm believers in the dignity of human nature No
degrading views of the faculties or destiny
of man are presented in their theories
They believe in the capacity OF the
race for virtue, unfold the conditions of
Ats attainment, illustrate the grandeur and love-
Illness of high ideal of character, and appeal to the
noblest motives for it's cultivation The influence OF
Dugald Stewart and Thomas Brown in the early
palt of the present century and of Sir William Ham,
ilton at later date can hardly be overestimated in
this respect. Many a young man has acknowledged
his indictment to their glowing pictures OF moral
excellence for the most powerful incentives to
worthy career, and TO their wise and benignant
counses for the surest means of ITS accomplishment
Finally the Scottish writers were usually remark
able for the clearness and sobriety of their style
Some of them. as Dugald Stewart for example, were
doubtless little formal, sacrificing ease OF express
sion to dignity of manner, lndulging IN
rounded periods, rather than using terse and
pregnant phrases, but never losing themselves in
mist of verbiage or bewildering their readers in
forest Of sonorous words which had no sign of pro-
foundness but obscurity. 1t was probably these
qualities which turned the attention of Royer-Col-
lard and Theodore Jouffry to the works of Reid and
Stewart in their protest against the French sensa-
honasm of the eighteenth century The modest
philosophy of Scotland was thus the forerunner OF
the Eclectic school of Cousin which has played so
brilliant part in the history of intellectual specu-
iation in the present age.
We may therefore, congratulate President Nc
Gosh both his choice Of the subject of this work
and the signal ability which he has evinced in its
treatment. He writes not only with the advantage
of familiar knowledge, but under the impulse of
personal association. HIS volume has been composed
10 the presence of beloved national traditions, but
this has ouy served to enhance the freshness and
vitality of his narrative, but not to cloud the
serenity of his judgment or the impartlaEty OF his
decisions. He writes without prejudice even IN the
discussion of views widely at variance with his
own. aud without the extravaganza of admiration In
the statement of opinions which command his assent
and sympathy. Few philosophical writers exer else
more just and wise discrimination in pronouncing
their conclusions on the merits of different systems
or aspects of belief. He is equally free from narrow
prejudices and from binding enthusiasm He utters
no sweeping condemnation of a theory. because on
points it is open TO criticism. nor is he dazzed
by the pretense of novelty or ingenuity into accept
ing principle which has no foundation III truth
This quality of mind is constantly displayed in the
present work, and gives it weight and authority
which could not attach TO any partisan production.
Dr. McCosh's expositons of philosophical doctrine
are no less remarkable for their lucidity than
their fairness. He rarely if ever, fails to
seize the true point of a question, and
when there is a complexity of statement, to
nnravel IT with sagacity and skill. Nor is his vol
nme confined TO the analysis and exhibition of
speculative theories 1t is enlivened with numerous
personal details, which present the great names of
Scotland in their domestic aud social environment,
and make its pcrusal attractive as it is informing
Among the portions of this character which relieve
the monOtOny of profound dsquisition we may cite
the comments on the practical bearings of the skep
ticism of Hume
He had no settled faith n any religion vet he
church least at times; he wished his servant to go
20 church. and he mingled the councils OF the Church
atheism He wrapped up thoughts these subjects
In hls BOSOM perhaps with some Feeble hope that ne
settled more deeply upon him. When the pert Mrs.
Gllet met BIN one night at an assembly, ana boldly
nccosted him. "Mr. Hume give me leave TO Introduce
myself 10 you deists ought to know each other,
myself % neither do desire to be known by that appel
Isiop" He did not himself atheist in Paris.
Cir Samuel Romilly has detailed q characteristic anec-
COMPANY at the house OF Baron D'Holbach. g As for
atheists said Hume. do not believe one exists
tnuate." said Baron "here with yenteen
OF the table for the first time" We may sup
pose there was some sincerity the statement he
made have surely endeavored to reiue the skeptc
with ali the force OF which am master, and my refuta
zion must he allowed because drawn from
the pita principles of system" only he not
prepared 70 review his system In writing TO Eiot ne
ne wishes 10 make Ceanthes the tbeisi the nero
Df tlalOIuG. Ferguson