Discussions of philosophical questions

Front matter

Discussions of

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Chap, .. __ Copyright No.

Contents

Page.

Prefatory Note, 7

Introduction", 9

Prefatory Note

The frequent references to Sir William Hamilton in these discussions is due to the fact that the students whom the writer addresses are asked to read the Lectures and Discussions of the Scottish philosopher, in connection with the delivery of his own views, orally or in writing, in the class-room. Hamilton's philosophy thus becomes, to a large extent, a point of departure for discussions which may involve either a defence or a rebuttal of its doctrines, and sometimes enter a separate and independent field.

EDITOR'S PREFACE.

Dr. Girardeau, at his death, left a small trunk full of unpublished manuscript, a large part of which was unsuited for publication, being in the form of notes for use in the class-room or for help in his own studies. As much of it as was suitable was offered by his family for publication to the four Synods having control of the Theological Seminary at Columbia, South Carolina. The Synods appointed a committee, investing it with discretionary power, to consider the proposition. The Rev. W. T. Hall, D. D., was appointed by the Synod of South Carolina ; the Rev. Thos. P. Hay, by the Synod of Florida ; the Rev. Donald McQueen, by the Synod of Alabama; and the Rev. J. T. Plunket, D. D., and Ruling Elder W. C. Sibley, by the Synod of Georgia. This committee was organized by the selection of Dr. Hall as chairman, the Rev. Mr. Hay as business manager, and the Rev. Geo. A. Blackburn, representing the family of Dr. Girardeau, as editor.

While every member of the committee has been zealous in furthering the work intrusted to it, the ability and persistence of the Rev. Thos. P. Hay, and the advice

6 Editor's Preface.

and assistance of the Rev. J. K. TIazen, D. D., Secretary of Publication, have been chiefly instrumental in making it possible to begin publication.

These Discussions were prepared by Dr. Girardeau for the press ; they were found in a bundle to themselves marked "complete.'' He had expressed the desire that, in case any of his manuscript should ever be published, this would be the first issued. The committee, therefore, after examining this manuscript, decided that it should bo published first. This explanation is made because it was thought by many of the friends of the work that his Life and Sermons ought to have preceded this volume.

The capitalization in the book is not that of Dr. Girardeau, nor is it exactly what would have been chosen by the editor. It is the system of the printers, who have conformed to the style or fashion now adopted in the modern printing office, and in publishing centres.

E"o apology is needed for offering this book as a part of the literature of the Presbyterian Church. For every system of theology must have a system of philosophy associated with it; and no theology will long remain more sound than its coordinate philosophy. Every advance, therefore, in sound philosophy is an additional buttress to true theology.

Dr. Girardeau has been recognized by the church at large as a great preacher; by the ministry as a great

Editor's Preface. 7

theologian and preacher ; and by his students as a great philosopher, theologian and preacher. His extensive library was more theological than homiletical, and more philosophical than theological. Probably the study in which he naturally took most delight was philosophy.

As to the Discussions themselves, their main purpose is to advance the Scottish school of philosophy. They are not intended to be a system in themselves. This book is really a supplement to Hamilton's Metaphysics, in connection with which it ought to be studied. It seeks to correct what is considered incorrect in Hamilton ; to develop more fully his system ; and to bring it down to the present time — answering the objections and refuting the errors of opposing systems in their latest expressions.

These discussions were prepared by the author in his mature years, some of them having been written, and all of them having been revised by him since 1890. They fairly represent, therefore, his ability, his scholarship, and the final conclusions of his life of study.

The committee hope to follow this, as soon as the way is clear, with one volume of Theological Discussions, and one volume containing his Life and Sermons.

George A. Blackburn, Columbia, S. C, Sept. 20, 1900.