Public Lectures Delivered in the Chapel of the University of the State of Missouri, 1878-79 (Volume 1) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1879. Excerpt: ... METAPHYSICS. A Lecture By Samuel S. Laws, Professor Of Metaphysics In The University Of The State Of Missouri, May Io, 1879. There is only too much reason to apprehend that the bare mention of metaphysics, as the subject of this lecture, suggests to some minds the question whether anything really serious or intelligible is intended. The prejudice against this subject is not unfrequently veiled under the following burlesque definition, credited to the blacksmith of Glamis: "Twa folk disputin thegither; he that's listenin disna ken what he that's speakin means, jmd he that's speakin disna ken what he means himsel--that's metaphysics " The irrepressible wit of Sydney Smith was indulged in ridicule of it. It is related that, when lecturing on one of its topics, he exclaimed, in his deep, sonorous and warning voice, "Ladies and gentlemen, there is a word of dire sound and horrible import, which I fain would have kept concealed if I possibly could, but as this is not feasible I shall meet the danger at once and get out of it as well as I can. The word to which I allude is that very tremendous one of Metaphysics, which in a lecture on moral philosophy, seems likely to produce as much alarm as the cry of fire in a crowded playhouse; when Belvidera is left to cry by herself, and every one saves himself in the best manner he can. I must beg of my audience, however, to sit quiet, and in the mean time make use of the language which the manager would probably adopt on such an occasion: I am sure, ladies and gentlemen, there is not the smallest degree of danger." This prejudice against metaphysics has not been confined to the rude and vulgar, either of the present or of the past. By placing the fool's cap on the head of Socrates, the ignorant derision of the Athenian p...