Now it is this test of relative conceivability which all men apply in varying degrees to the question of Theism.
In the first place, conceivability is made the unconditional test of possibility; and, in the next place, it is asserted that unless every particle of matter can think, no collocation of such particles can possibly do so.
In the adverse argument, conceivability is again made the unconditional test of truth, just as it was in the argument against the possibility of matter thinking.
Dissatisfied with the endless regress of cause and effect, sceptical of first causes and original homogeneities, out of which by no conceivability could any heterogeneity have ever been developed, philosophy looks to the end.
Metaphysics is, in general, unable to show how reality is made, but only to remove certain contradictions which stand in the way of the conceivability of these notions.
May exist," since for the critical philosopher, who has learned that every extension of knowledge beyond the limits of experience is impossible, the question can concern only the conceivability of the world-ground and of freedom.
The necessity of a first beginning, due to freedom, of a series of appearances we have demonstrated only in so far as it is required for the conceivability of an origin of the world.
We therefore see that we are justified in saying that conceivability is worthless as a test as to whether an object of thought lies within the domain of the Knowable or Unknowable.
In making conceivability the supreme test as to what is knowable, Mr. Spencer sets up a criterion which he himself violates.
To answer this, we must consider the argument for conceivabilityas the touchstone which is to separate the "Knowable" from the "Unknowable.
