George Santayana And Critical Realism

George Santayana (1863-1952) [Madrid, Harvard, Rome]. A poet and essayist as well as a philosopher, George is an outstanding representative of Critical Realism, a form of naturalism. The objects of knowledge occupy either of two statuses; they may be existing substances or subsisting essences, though it is impossible to prove the independent existence of either type of object. Santayana stated that we believe in the objectivity of substance on the basis of animal faith. The ultimate substance of the real world is matter in motion. He also asserted that the operation of the universe is mechanical and is unaffected by mind, the function of which is purely contemplative. The fundamental character of the universe is neither moral nor rational. Santayana continued that mind itself is a product …show more content…
He acquired an early reputation with three volumes on The Universities of Europe in the Middle Ages (1895). His Theory of Good and Evil (1907) embodied the substance of his lectures at Oxford University. His theory was a form of “ideal utalitarianism,” combining the thought that ethics must be teleological with the rejection of the assumption that pleasure is the end. It was his conviction that good actions must tend to produce for all mankind an ideal good which includes pleasure and something more than pleasure. Rashdall emphasised also the necessity of applying ethical theory to practical life. He participated in the development of the philosophy of personal idealism. In addition, he published a volume of university sermons and wrote in defence of Anglican clergymen who did not assent to literal interpretation of every article in the creed. His Idea of Atonement in Christian Theology (Bampton Lectures, 1919) gave him a place in theology as well as in history and philosophy. The justification of man Rashdall interpreted as the end-kindling in him of the love of god, which expresses itself in regeneration of