The only way to get forward with our notion is to treat it
pragmatically. Granting the oneness to exist, what facts will be
different in consequence? What will the unity be known-as? The world
is one--yes, but HOW one? What is the practical value of the oneness
for US?
Asking such questions, we pass from the vague to the definite, from
the abstract to the concrete. Many distinct ways in which oneness
predicated of the universe might make a difference, come to view. I
will note successively the more obvious of these ways.
1. First, the world is at least ONE SUBJECT OF DISCOURSE. If its
manyness were so irremediable as to permit NO union whatever of it
parts, not even our minds could 'mean' the whole of it at once: the
would be like eyes trying to look in opposite directions. But in
point of fact we mean to cover the whole of it by our abstract term
'world' or 'universe,' which expressly intends that no part shall be
left out. Such unity of discourse carries obviously no farther
monistic specifications. A 'chaos,' once so named, has as much unity
of discourse as a cosmos. It is an odd fact that many monists
consider a great victory scored for their side when pluralists say
'the universe is many.
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