JOURNAL ARTICLE

Constance Naden's Metaphysics: Hylo-Idealism's Ideal Known World and Unknown Matter.

  • Published In: Journal of the History of Philosophy, 2024, v. 62, n. 3. P. 475 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Thomas, Emily 3 of 3

Abstract

In 1880s Britain, Constance Naden defended "hylo-idealism," a theory aiming to unify materialism with idealism. This paper offers the first sustained study of Naden's metaphysical system. On this new reading of Naden's hylo-idealism, her materialism is carefully qualified; and her idealism is distinctively Kantian, her construal of the external cosmos as Unknown placing her within the Victorian school of metaphysical agnostics. I distinguish Naden's system from that of fellow hylo-idealist Robert Lewins and argue it lies closer to that of evolutionist Thomas Henry Huxley. Against various critics, I show that Naden has the resources to rebuff objections facing hylo-idealism. This paper seeks to open further avenues for Naden scholarship and help us better understand Victorian metaphysics more generally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal of the History of Philosophy. 2024/07, Vol. 62, Issue 3, p475
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Literature and Writing
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:0022-5053
  • DOI:10.1353/hph.2024.a932357
  • Accession Number:178479010
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