The Approach to Metaphysics

Originally published in 1947. This book is a first-principles review of the purpose of philosophical enquiries in relation to modern life. It presents the importance of the history of the development of philosophical thought, beginning with perception and touching on modern realism, Scepticism, Positivism and the contemporary metaphysical theories.

E. W. F. Tomlin

Preface. Introduction Part 1: The Approach to Metaphysics Through the Theory of Perception 1. The Object of Our Thinking 2. Foundations of a Theory of Perception 3. The Limitations of Perception Part 2: The Nature of Metaphysical Thought 4. Metaphysics and Civilisation 5. The Origins of European Civilization Part 3: The Metaphysical Background of Modern Thought 6. The Rationalist Attack on Scepticism 7. The Empiricist Attack on Scepticism and Kant's Answer 8. Kant and the Problem of the Thing-in-Itself 9. Hegel and the Rise of the Historical Consciousness Part 4: The Present Situation. Conclusion