Outlines of Metaphysic

even that which is actual can be thought of only in the aforesaid logical forms; but that, on the one side, we cannot be led by it to all the fundamental propositions of metaphysic, and that, on the other side, we may by following this clue hit upon conceptions which have merely a logical value, and of which the metaphysical applicability is not clear

logical forms are, further, modes of experience

Logical thinking is a combination of ideas according to laws of a universal truth; but these ideas do not relate to what is merely actual, but to all that is thinkable, even to all abstractions which can never of themselves have any actuality.

Conceptions are only elements which can form truths by composition; of themselves alone they are nothing, until we are told what is to be done with them.

correct form, in which we are able to express those suppositions concerning the nature of actuality that are necessities of our thought, is without exception that of the proposition, not that of the conception.

Aristotle first directed attention to those most general conceptions which are expressed concerning everything actual (the ‘Categories’); but without conducting his search for them according to any principle, or giving any security that his enumeration of their series was complete.

How can we get possession of those suppositions completely, in order to have in collective form that total content of our reason which is necessary to thought? and, then: How can we demonstrate that these suppositions have any validity, or what validity they have?

universal science, which takes as the objects of its investigation those conceptions and propositions that, in ordinary life and in the particular sciences, are employed as principles of investigation.

This science is Metaphysic.

There are therefore never wanting occasions where doubts at once arise in us concerning their validity.

Thus on consideration of the soul, the conception of ‘Thing’ seems to be in general inept to designate the permanent subject of its changeable phenomena.