Abstract

One point to bear in mind while reading this book is that it does not represent the author's first venture into the theory of religion. Although it may still be premature to stake out periods in his development, it is clear that Weiss's published writings fall into three broad phases: doctrinal formation, systematic formalization, and concrete reflection. The middle phase of systematic formalization achieves its full expression in Modes of Being, toward which the earlier doctrinal books pointed in a preparatory way, and in the light of which the more recent studies in the concrete areas of life are being conducted. The theme of religion is operative in all three of these periods, although not in the same manner and power of focusing the philosophical mind.