British Philosophers, 16th to 18th Century

Philosophy may be briefly defined as the study of the nature and implications of rational thought. Conclusions may be drawn about the implications of rational thought in specific fields, such as the moral and political, and these implications constitute moral and therapeutic philosophy. The purpose of this book is to indicate, in the most general and summary fashion, the logical and metaphysical background of philosophy, as conceived by the BRITISH PHILOSOPHERS OF THE 16TH TO 18TH CENTURY. Large issues have been touched on which could not be adequately discussed in less than a volume devoted to their special consideration. But, enough will have been said for the purpose of the present book if it has been made clear that philosophy is not an independent subject but is intimately bound up with the great issues of logic, politics, and metaphysics.