Scepticism And Animal Faith

Skepticism And Animal Faith: Introduction To A System Of Philosophy is a book written by George Santayana, an American philosopher and writer. The book is a philosophical treatise that explores the concepts of skepticism and animal faith. Santayana argues that skepticism is a necessary component of any philosophical system, as it allows us to question our assumptions and beliefs. He suggests that skepticism should be balanced with animal faith, which is an instinctive trust in our senses and perceptions. The book is divided into two parts. The first part discusses skepticism and its role in philosophy, while the second part explores animal faith and its relationship to skepticism. Throughout the book, Santayana draws on examples from literature, art, and history to illustrate his arguments. He also critiques the ideas of other philosophers, such as Descartes and Kant, and offers his own unique perspective on these topics. Overall, Skepticism And Animal Faith: Introduction To A System Of Philosophy is a thought-provoking and insightful work that challenges readers to question their assumptions and beliefs. It is recommended for anyone interested in philosophy, skepticism, and the nature of human perception.1923. From the Preface: Here is one more system of philosophy. If the reader is tempted to smile, I can assure him that I smile with him, and that my system-to which this volume is a critical introduction-differs widely in spirit and pretensions from what usually goes by that name. In the first place, my system is not mine, nor new. I am merely attempting to express for the reader the principles to which he appeals when he smiles. There are convictions in the depths of his soul, beneath all his overt parrot beliefs, on which I would build our friendship. I have a great respect for orthodoxy; not for those orthodoxies which prevail in particular schools or nations, and which vary from age to age, but for a certain shrewd orthodoxy which the sentiment and practice of laymen maintain everywhere. I think that common sense, in a rough dogged way, is technically sounder than the special schools of philosophy, each of which squints and overlooks half the facts and half the difficulties in its eagerness to find in some detail the key to the whole. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.