The present work is an attempt to express what the author takes to be the fundamental ideas of true social philosophy. He has criticized and interpreted the doctrines of certain well-known thinkers only with the view of setting these ideas in the clearest light. This is the whole purpose of the book; and he has intentionally abstained from practical applications, except by way of illustration. It is his conviction, indeed, that a better understanding of fundamental principles would very greatly contribute to the more rational handling of practical problems. But this better understanding is only to be attained, as it seems to him, by a thorough examination of ideas, apart from the associations of practical issues about which a fierce party spirit has been aroused.
