BOOK I

PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS

ARGUMENT OF BOOK I

In the first chapter we consider McTaggart's philosophical method, as used in the Nature of Existence, and discuss its relation or want of relation to the Transcendental Method of Kant and the Dialectical Method of Hegel. In Chap. II we are concerned with the meanings of the terms "reality" and "existence", and with the relations of these two terms to each other. In Chaps. III and IV we are occupied with the question whether there is anything that does not exist. In Chap. III this question is raised about Characteristics and Possibilities. After dealing with McTaggart's views about "non-existent characteristics", we discuss the subject independently, and treat of universalia ante rem, of ideal limits, of a priori concepts, and of innate ideas. In Chap. IV the same question is raised about Propositions. We try to explain what "propositions" would be if there were such entities, and why many people have believed that there are propositions. We then consider whether there is any good ground to believe that there are propositions; and, in this connexion, we state and criticise McTaggart's views on the subject and also offer an independent treatment of it.

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Contents -- Chapter 1

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