(George Allen and Unwin. 12s. 6d. net.) This book, which
has the sub-title A Materialistic Study with an Idealistic Conclusion, is a very interesting and valuable analysis and criticism of the psychological bases of our society and of the social ideals current in the world to-day. It is, in general, sound and a step in the right direction. It is written in untechnical language, so that, while it often pre- sents a looseness of idea to the expert, it is thereby made more generally comprehensible. The book exhibits, however, many logical contradictions. Dr. Platt assumes, in the first place, without defining terms, the dogma of social progress—a slightly questionable procedure for a scientist. Throughout the book he dimly admits the dilemma of individual variation, the bite noire of the scientist, but nowhere does he quite admit its value and significance, and he tends to avoid the issue. As a result his attempts to reconcile the idea of unified social progress and the egoistic force of the individual are rather unsatisfactory and vague. He assumes also the doctrine that society is gradually evolving in the general direction of an ever-increasing unity of action and purpose. Setting aside the large question of whether this is demonstrably true or possible, Dr. Platt does not consider whether this is a desirable process. Despite this mist in which he moves, however, and despite a slight tendency to obscurantism, his book is stimulating and worthy to be read by all those who are in any way interested in the present state of society. On Socialism and Democracy Dr. Platt is particularly good.
Previous page
