Abstract

Since Descartes the relationship between philosophy and psychology has often been obscured and in need of redefinition. In Weinberg’s book this problem of psychology and philosophy is posed once again. As the title indicates, the investigation is of our "contact with reality"; in other words, it is of our belief in a real order independent of our thought to which we strive to realize a rational connection through the various sciences and philosophy. Basic to his argument is the distinction between Tatsachenwissenschaft and Wesenswissenschaft; and through numerous studies in the history of modern philosophy, he seeks to show that the problem of transcendence is one for psychology and not philosophy. Epistemology is a psychological discipline. Weinberg wants to deny emphatically that philosophy is, in any sense, a Tatsachenwissenschaft; on the other hand, he does not want to demean the philosophical task but indicate its proper limits. The sciences, philosophy, and religion are what Weinberg calls "levels of objectivication" [[sic]] and, insofar, of equal status. Within a psychological system, philosophy is to be assigned its role. He comes to the conclusion that it is the responsibility of philosophy, as a Wesenswissenschaft, to simplify and filter the results of the sciences and to provide each civilization with a "vital and coherent whole." The method pursued in order to establish a psychological foundation for philosophy is neither experimental nor a mere imitation of what is commonly thought to be scientific method.