This is the second edition of a popular work, connecting more or less directly with the teaching of Herbart and Strümpell, which appeared in 1891. The chief difference to note in the new edition is the greater prominence given to certain views of the writer (e.g. in connection with will) which are at variance with those of his authorities. His psychologising is typically illustrated by the chapter on the feelings (cf., esp., pp. 42, 43). There is a moving picture of the machinations of the "sittliche Ruine" to gain the affections of the innocent maiden. Four chapters of the eighteen are devoted to dreams. The book recalls those of Mantegazza: certain remarks in it are useful; but the whole is a curious mixture.
The first portion of this book is devoted to a mere presentation, in a condensed form, of the ethical doctrines of the most important English and German evolutionary writers. The authors whose views are thus summarized are, in order: Darwin, Wallace, Haeckel, Spencer, Fiske, Rolph, Barratt, Stephen, Carneri, Höffding, von Gizycki, Alexander and Ree. Part II, however, contains independent discussions of the chief ethical questions, and the author's criticism of theories .from which he differs. Mr. Williams is firmly convinced that it will be of advantage to apply the ideas of evolution to ethical theory. "If it is true that we learn wisdom and morality from human history, ... we should suppose that a still wider knowledge of our mental and physical evolution must be of greater worth to us in the same manner" (p. 270). This second portion of the volume contains, besides an introduction, the following nine chapters: I. The Concepts of Evolution. II. Intelligence and "End." III. The Will. IV. The Mutual Relations of Thought, Feeling, and Will in Evolution. V. Egoism and Altruism in Evolution. VI. Conscience. VII. The Moral Progress of the Human Species as Shown by History. VIII. The Results of Ethical Inquiry on an Evolutional Basis. IX. The Ideal and the Way of its Attainment. (A review will follow.)
The present volume is nothing if not radical. Without the preface, which is of the nature of a personal confession, one would hardly understand the author's motive in writing and publishing the book. He believes that morality in the ordinary sense is an illusion, an impossibility. He began as a "devout moralist," full of intolerance and obstinate convictions.
