"Matter, Life and Value" is a profound philosophical inquiry into the fundamental nature of reality and the hierarchy of existence. Written by C. E. M. Load, this work challenges the prevailing materialistic trends of its time by proposing a multi-layered metaphysical structure that distinguishes between the physical world, the phenomenon of life, and the realm of objective values.
The text explores how these three distinct categories interact, seeking to provide a cohesive framework that accounts for both the mechanical laws of science and the teleological aspirations of the human spirit. Load meticulously examines the limitations of monism, arguing that a purely materialist or purely idealist worldview fails to capture the complexity of experience. Instead, the author advocates for a pluralistic approach, where Life acts as a bridge between the inert Matter of the universe and the transcendent Value that gives human existence meaning.
Navigating themes of consciousness, biological evolution, and ethical objectivity, "Matter, Life and Value" remains a significant contribution to early 20th-century speculative philosophy. It offers a rigorous defense of the reality of values-such as beauty, truth, and goodness-as independent entities that are as real as the physical objects we perceive, making it essential reading for those interested in metaphysics and moral philosophy.
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