Introduction

Abstract

Peirce is a man who has diligently and seriously concerned himself with the major traditional problems of philosophy. Peirce makes an honest effort to examine and to solve them to the best of his ability. His effort to solve some of the great classical problems always has this merit: it is honest, forthright, manly, sober and intelligent. One does not have to agree with his conclusions in any given case or in any case at all to be able to recognize the professional spirit in Peirce. He is not a poet; he is not a scoffer; he is not trifling with his readers or with the great issues with which he deals. He is not a pedant or a “scholar” of the unoriginal type who plays with footnotes and toys with subtle interpretations of obscure issues or philosophers. He is not playing games. Rather he is attacking the real problems which have concerned and bothered thoughtful people since the days of Thales.