The Intermountain Catholic. (Salt Lake City [Utah] ;) 1899-1920, 1904-10-15

u particular fact. Professor Lamb, in fact, con-
fesses this for he says: 1--WE must risk something,
even in mathematics" and elsewhere he tells US
that this must also be applied TO geometry me-
chanics, and even arithmetic, upon which all the
natural sciences are built
But not only is the deduction theory false III
itself; it is the death knell of all physical science,
as Mr.. Balfour proves for whereas the former
knows of no objective reality independent of the
perceptions the latter postulates the exist
cnce of some objective reality first principle
In particular the empiric philosophy is in contra
diction to evolution. for we must all grant that
knowledge is rational otherwise science itself dis
appears. And yet, according to evolution. the
rational was evolved out of the irrational Ii So
what claim have the fruits of knowledge SO evolved
to be considered validl How do we know but the
very faculties by which that knowledge Is disccv-
cred themselves dccevers and liars.
But evolution is not only in opposition to
pric philosophy; it is contradictory, because
utilitarianism can never account for the produc
ton of sense-perceptions and reason, which
not necessary for us in the struggle for existence,
If then the very foundations of all our knowledge
in contradiction with one another and with
are built upon them! Surely we would expect then,
to be also contradictory, and we shall not be de-
ceived, Physical science, which is the scientia
scientiarum, in its explanation of the new theory
of matter, is at loggerheads with itself for the
new theory is built upon the old or common sense
theory of regarding the primary qualities of mat
ter as having an objective existence independent
of the observer; and, moreover, the resultant of
knowledge obtained by the sense-perceptions is in
absolute opposition to the very evidence of those
same senses.
Here IS a of contradictions. And yet
these same contradictions, putting the hypo-
critical garb Of science, boldly step forward today
into the domain of theology and endcavor to Dust
God from his world. Let them first reconcile
their own contradictions. Let them explain the
origin of inmaterial, rational knowledge whence
it came, and our critera of truth with their va
hdity. And when they have done this they will not
have done everything. For if physical science
should ever succeed in proving as it certainly has
not yet done, that the entire paraphernalia Of the
universe, from the most distant revolving planets
to the flower which decks the meadow and even to
the composition of man himself, is but different
manifestation of the elementary force or that
bodies differ only in so far as their force is differ
emily combined-in other words reduce the whole
scheme of universe to the plane of electrified
result would, no doubt. be novel and
ingenious But it would never succeed in displacing
God from the universe, for we should still have
% account for the production of that elementary
force and for the mutations by which it has de-
Teloped into its present system of beauty and har
nony which bear stamped upon them the hall mark |
# Infinite Intelligence.