(1) The Neo-Platonists: A Study in the History of Hellenism (2) On Society (3) The Psychology of Conviction: A Study of Beliefs and Attitudes

Abstract

THE only motive for grouping together three such varied books, each important, is that they all in a marked way exhibit an interest which connects them with the special circumstances of the present profound change in the old world-order. This remark may seem to have little significance in regard to (1) Mr. Whittaker's valuable study of the Neo-Platonists. It is not implied, however, that the interest, because circumstantial, is therefore ephemeral. His book appeared seventeen years ago, but the present issue of a new and expanded edition is only one instance of the extraordinary interest which the closing era of the ancient philosophy is arousing to-day. It certainly is not idle curiosity or the impulse towards an eclectic historical research which is drawing so many of our profoundest philosophers to study anew with living interest that last effort of the ancient world. Philosophy is seeking new expression; the old formulæ are unsatisfactory; science has given us a new world-view.

(1) The Neo-Platonists: A Study in the History of Hellenism.

By Thomas Whittaker. Second edition, with a Supplement on the Commentaries of Proclus. Pp. xv + 318. (Cambridge: At the University Press, 1918.) Price 12s. net.

(2) On Society.

By Frederic Harrison. Pp. xii + 444. (London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1918.) Price 12s. net.

(3) The Psychology of Conviction: A Study of Beliefs and Attitudes.

By Prof. J. Jastrow. Pp. xix + 387. (Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin Co.; London: Constable and Co., Ltd., 1918.) Price 10s. 6d. net.