Abstract

Nevertheless an inquiry into the current notions of metaphysics and into the attitude of the Metaphysical Society towards its own professed object qualifies eminently enough as a scholarly examination of a relevant philosophical theme. The professed object of the Society, as stated in the first article of its constitution, is "the study of reality." "Reality" may seem a despairingly vague notion. Yet under its aegis the widely scattered metaphysical endeavors in America, with their seemingly hopeless centrifugal tendencies, have been gathered into organized activity and have stayed together and expanded during the past twenty-two years. That in itself is an altogether remarkable achievement. In fact, it was unbelievable twenty-two years ago, outside the foresight and the courage of the founders of the Metaphysical Society. How "reality" could be the operative notion under which all this was accomplished is accordingly a theme worthy of the closest scrutiny. The theme is all the more timely at the present moment when the corporate organization of the metaphysical enterprise, commenced twenty-two years ago in America, is about to attain its required fulfilment in expansion on the global front. That is the goal envisaged for the first meeting of the International Metaphysical Society, at Varna in 1973.