The intimate relation between philosophy and science is evident
from the fact that until comparatively recent times scientists were
known as natural philosophers. Etymologically, philosophy means
the love of wisdom. In its broadest sense, philosophy includes
the physical and mathematical sciences, as well as mental and
moral philosophy, now often called mental and moral science.
Metaphysics (literally after physics) is a branch of philosophy
which studies the first principles of being and of knowledge; and
though it makes full use of scientific facts, it is often loosely spoken
of as "speculative philosophy." Students of social phenomena
want to be called "social scientists," for science to-day is a word
to conjure with; but they are really social philosophers because
they seek not only knowledge but also wisdom in social matters.

The social, moral, and political turmoil caused by the impact
on mankind of numerous and basic discoveries of facts by experi-
mental scientists brings into sharp focus the great difference be-
tween scientific knowledge and philosophical wisdom. Wisdom
involves making proper and desirable use of what science reveals.
The Duke of Wellington, addressing an officer whose report was
replete with undigested details, blurted out: "Sir, your informa-
tion is too great for your understanding." Stung into action by
failure of statesmen and politicians to make wise use of the power
scientific discoveries placed in their hands, many scientists are
adding philosophy, politics, and statesmanship to their endeavors.
Benjamin Franklin, an outstanding natural philosopher, was also
a wise and capable statesman.

The main part of this book having been devoted to purely
material matters, this last chapter considers some of the philosoph-
ical aspects and conclusions which a personal review of the im-
personal facts of science seems to warrant. Since mathematics is
largely used to develop new knowledge from experimental ob-

-259-