Abstract
THE first principle which philosophy might receive, as established by science, is the principle of causality, which, in spite of recent attacks by some physicists,still reigns supreme. In support of this contention, Sir Herbert Samuel quoted a letter from Einstein and the published opinions of Planck. The principle of causality leads in philosophy straight to a theistic position; for since the universe is not self-explanatory, there must be “something else”. We cannot, however, at present fathom the nature of the Divine Mind. The principle of causality appears to deny human free-will, but although from a universal point of view this is so, events in the limited sphere of human action proceed as though our wills were free, and practical life must be conducted on that footing. A further application of the principle of causality in philosophy leads to a definition of the ‘Good’ as that which experience shows to promote well-being, rather than as an ideal standard of values. In the general adoption of the scientific method, philosophy will find its chief opportunity and its main strength.
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The Principle of Causality. Nature 129, 897 (1932). https://doi.org/10.1038/129897b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/129897b0