109/116 That "we can know nothing but phenomena,"-- that "causation is simply constant priority,"-- that "men are governed invariably by their interests," are examples of rules allowable as dominant hypotheses in physics or political economy, but exercising a desolating tyranny when thrust on to the throne of universal empire. He who seizes upon these and similar maxims, and carries them in triumph on his banner, may boast of his escape from the uncertainties of metaphysics, but is himself all the while the unconscious victim of their very vulgarest deception." ("Essays," Second Series, _A Plea for Philosophical Studies_, p. 421.) [282] Lecky's "History of Rationalism," vol.i.p. 73. |