Abstract

It is well known to the student of philosophy and religion that the literature on these subjects is already very large and worthy. Despite this fact each year brings forth more contributions to these studies. The reason, we believe, is clear and weighty, for the final word has not yet been said about either of these problems. We live in an age that is investigating in a remoter past than was revealed to the students of the last generation. More intensive searching in regions that have already given forth truth has yielded rewardsof more and sometimes better truth. truth. Finally, it has become clear that if statements and decisions about the manner of living of earlier peoples are to be made, as well as about those who are contemporary with us, and they are to come at all near the truth, certain fundamental facts must be borne in mind. [...]