The Science And Philosophy Of The Organism

( Originally Published 1909 )

The Gifford Lectures, delivered in the University of Aberdeen in the year 1907. By Hans Driesch, Ph. D. Vol. I. London : A. & C. Black.

This volume deals entirely with the Science of the Organism. It is the first time that the Gifford Lectures have been given by a biologist, and it will not be surprising if one hears people complain that the first year's course seems to be irrelevant and to add nothing to our knowledge of natural theology. The critics, however, will be premature in forming such a judgment in spite of the fact that the whole of the present volume, as well as the first half of the next, when it appears, will be found to discuss purely biological topics. This apparent irrelevancy is inevitable, for the lecturer can only explain the philosophical implications of biology to an audience which has some knowledge of the general results of that subject. It will, therefore, be only in the light of the Philosophy of the Organism as presented in Volume II that anyone is capable and qualified to discuss the value of the present lectures. The aim throughout the whole course is the Philosophy of the Organism, and in all the chapters devoted to biology proper the materials are selected and arranged, not according to the manner of biological text-books, but according to the bearing they have upon philosophy.

In the introductory program the author indicates the general plan of the lectures, as determined by their philosophical aim. Biology proper has three aspects biological laws, biological systematics, and biological history. In their present state of development, no conclusions really useful for philosophical discussion can be gained from the two latter branches. In consequence they are treated in this volume merely as a second appendix to the nomothetic work. The book is further planned out in relation to the three different kinds of fundamental phenomena which living bodies invariably present. They are all specific as to form, they exhibit metabolism, and they move. Of these characteristics, organic form and organic movement are most intimately associated with philosophical questions, form particularly occupies the very center of biological and philosophical interest. Volume I is, therefore, mainly concerned with the nomothetic study of the science of living form. To this two appendices are added. The first treats of the physiology of metabolism, or what is commonly called the physiology of the vegetative functions ; the second deals primarily with systematics and leads on to a sketch of biological history, the theory of evolution and the logic of history in general. The lectures of 1908, and the corresponding Volume II, will complete the Science of the Organism with the study of organic movement. Dr. Driesch will then present his Philosophy of the Organism as the result of this scientific analysis. It is very unfortunate that the table of contents gives abosolutely no clue to the arrangement of the work. The latter would gain much in intelligibility if the table were made to indicate the general plan of the lectures, as stated later. So far as Volume I goes, the only result of philosophical significance s the concept of the autonomy of life, "autonomy" in the sense of being subject only to the laws of one's own being and which, in tribute to the genius of Aristotle, the author calls "Entelechy. " The conclusion arrived at is, therefore, that biological events are specific and elementary in their nature ; hey cannot be explained by chemistry, physics or any type mechanism. Of this two proofs are given, the first in conection with the study of organic form, the second in connection with the study of inheritance.

It would seem to be essentially the function of the biologist to criticize this volume. Ile would doubtless deal fully with the author's brilliant researches in experimental morphogenesis, as well as with his conclusions on such subjects as Darwinism and Lamarchism, both of which theories he regards as failing all along the line. The philosopher could have little to say except upon the subject of the first few pages. He would certainly deny the right of physics to be described as a true philosophy of nature, as he would deny that it is within the legitimate sphere of chemistry to advance an ultimate theory of matter or of biology to solve the problem of the relations between mind and body. In the well-known words of Mr. Bradley, "When phenomenalism loses its head and, becoming blatant, steps out as a theory of first principles, then it is really not respectable. The best that can be said of its pretensions is that they are ridiculous."

It will only be possible at the end of the second year's course to determine whether we must render any gratitude to Dr. Driesch for strengthening that spiritual view of the universe which already owes so much to the founder of the Gifford Lectures.

M. LIGHTFOOT EASTWOOD.

Bolton, England.