First Principles

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About this book

The preface places the volume first in a projected series of connected works presented under a programme for a system of philosophy. The discussion argues that positive knowledge can never fill the whole region of possible thought, however extensive information may become. The argument asks what lies beyond discovery and whether any explanation can exclude the question of an explanation for that explanation.

The discussion of chemistry examines the scales as evidence that carbon disappearing during combustion has not been lost. The account expresses the verdict of weighing in units of gravitative force and relates the asserted quantity of matter to those units. The discussion of society treats alternating tyranny and license as opposing forces that equilibrate each other, with movements tending to become more moderate.

Philosophy

About the author

Herbert Spencer

Herbert Spencer assembled an ambitious philosophical system linking psychology, sociology, ethics, biology, and political thought. Born in Derby in 1820, he trained as a civil engineer before journalism and independent scholarship became his principal work.