The Conception of God (eBook)

Josiah Royce (1855–1916) was an influential American philosopher whose work focused significantly on the fields of metaphysics, logic, ethics, and the philosophy of community. His scholarly contributions and his role as a proponent of absolute idealism were pivotal during a period when America was forming its academic identity distinct from European traditions. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, and later Johns Hopkins University, where he earned his PhD, Royce went on to become a professor at Harvard University, shaping the minds of future philosophers. Notable among Royce's works is 'The Conception of God' which details his argument for an idealistic metaphysics—a significant element of which involves a profound exploration of the nature and existence of God within the framework of philosophical theology. His literary style is characterized by rigorous argumentation, systematic presentation, and a clarity that bridges abstract philosophical inquiry with practical implications for human life and society. Royce's writings articulated ideas foundational to American philosophical thought, and 'The Conception of God' exemplifies his skill in synthesizing intricate philosophical perspectives into an accessible form for both his contemporaries and future generations.