A Candid Examination of Theism | Page 4

of this question, according to the data
afforded by evolutionary psychology.
34. Correspondence between products due to human intelligence and
products supposed due to Divine Intelligence, a correspondence which
is only generic. Illustrations drawn from prodigality in Nature. Further
illustrations. Illogical manner in which natural theologians deal with
such difficulties. The generic resemblance contemplated is just what we
should expect to find, if the doctrine of evolutionary psychology be
true.
35. The last three sections parenthetical. Necessary nature of the
conclusion which follows from the last five sections.
CHAPTER V.
THE LOGICAL STANDING OF THE QUESTION AS TO THE
BEING OF A GOD.

36. Emphatic re-statement of the conclusion reached in the previous
chapter. This conclusion shown to be of merely scientific, and not of
logical conclusiveness. Preparation for considering the question in its
purely logical form.
37. The logic of probability in general explained, and canon of
interpretation enunciated.
38. Application of this canon to the particular case of Theism.
39. Exposition of the logical state of the question.
40. Exposition continued.
41. Result of the exposition; "Suspended Judgment" the only logical
attitude of mind with regard to the question of Theism.
CHAPTER VI.
THE ARGUMENT FROM METAPHYSICAL TELEOLOGY.
42. Statement of the position to which the question of Theism has been
reduced by the foregoing analysis.
43. Distinction between a scientific and a metaphysical teleology.
Statement of the latter in legitimate terms. Criticism of this statement
legitimately made on the side of Atheism as being gratuitous. Impartial
judgment on this criticism.
44. Examination of the question as to whether the metaphysical system
of teleology is really destitute of all rational support. Pleading of a
supposed Theist in support of the system. The principle of correlation
of general laws. The complexity of Nature.
45. Summary of the Theist's pleading, and judgment that it fairly
removes from the hypothesis of metaphysical teleology the charge of
the latter being gratuitous.

46. Examination of the degree of probability that is presented by the
hypothesis of metaphysical teleology, comprising an examination of
the Theistic objection to the scientific train of reasoning on account of
its symbolism, and showing that a no less cogent objection lies against
the metaphysical train of reasoning on account of its embodying the
supposition of unknowable causes. Distinction between
"inconceivability" in a formal or symbolical, and in a material or
realisable sense. Reply of a supposed Atheist to the previous pleading
of the supposed Theist. Herbert Spencer quoted on inconceivability of
cosmic evolution as due to Mind.
47. Final judgment on the rational value of a metaphysical system of
teleology. Distinction between "inconceivability" in an absolute and in
a relative sense. Final judgment on the attitude of mind which it is
rational to adopt towards the question of Theism. The desirability and
the rationality of tolerance in this particular case.
CHAPTER VII.
GENERAL SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS.
48. General summary of the whole essay.
49. Concluding remarks.
APPENDIX AND SUPPLEMENTARY ESSAYS.
APPENDIX.
A Critical Exposition of a Fallacy in Locke's use of the Argument
against the possibility of Matter thinking on grounds of its being
inconceivable that it should.
SUPPLEMENTARY ESSAY I.
Examination of Mr. Herbert Spencer's Theistical Argument, and
criticism to show that it is inadequate to sustain the doctrine of "Cosmic
Theism" which Mr. Fiske endeavours to rear upon it.

SUPPLEMENTARY ESSAY II.
A Critical Examination of the Rev. Professor Flint's work on "Theism".
SUPPLEMENTARY ESSAY III.
On the Speculative Standing of Materialism.
SUPPLEMENTARY ESSAY IV.
On the Final Mystery of Things.
* * * * *
THEISM.
* * * * *
CHAPTER I.
EXAMINATION OF ILLOGICAL ARGUMENTS IN FAVOUR OF
THEISM.
§ 1. Few subjects have occupied so much attention among speculative
thinkers as that which relates to the being of God. Notwithstanding,
however, the great amount that has been written on this subject, I am
not aware that any one has successfully endeavoured to approach it, on
all its various sides, from the ground of pure reason alone, and thus to
fix, as nearly as possible, the exact position which, in pure reason, this
subject ought to occupy. Perhaps it will be thought that an exception to
this statement ought to be made in favour of John Stuart Mill's
posthumous essay on Theism; but from my great respect for this author,
I should rather be inclined to regard that essay as a criticism on
illogical arguments, than as a careful or matured attempt to formulate
the strictly rational status of the question in all its bearings.
Nevertheless, as this essay is in some respects the most scientific, just,
and cogent, which has yet appeared on the subject of which it treats,
and as anything which came from the pen of that great and accurate

thinker is deserving of the most serious attention, I shall carefully
consider his views throughout