system of Fichte between the active moral ego, and the nature which
it posits to act upon. But the _neo-Fichteans_ are concerned to show
that the nature so posited, or the World of Description, is the _realm
of mechanical science_, and that the entire system of mathematical and
physical truth is therefore morally necessary.[403:2]

[Sidenote: The Neo-Kantians.]

Sect. 200. A more pronounced tendency in the same direction marks the
work of the _neo-Kantians_. These philosophers repudiate the
spiritualistic metaphysics of Schopenhauer, Fichte, and Hegel, believing
the real significance of Kant to lie in his critical method, in his
examination of the first principles of the different systems of
knowledge, and especially in his analysis of the foundations of
mathematics and physics.[403:3] In approaching mathematics and physics
from a general logical stand-point, these neo-Kantians become scarcely
distinguishable in interest and temper from those scientists who
approach logic from the mathematical and physical stand-point.

[Sidenote: Recognition of the Individual. Personal Idealism.]

Sect. 201. The finite, moral individual, with his peculiar spiritual
perspective, has long since been recognized as essential to the meaning
of the universe rationally conceived. But in its first movement absolute
idealism proposed to absorb him in the indivisible absolute self. It is
now pointed out that Fichte, and even Hegel himself, means the absolute
to be a plurality or society of persons.[404:4] It is commonly conceded
that the will of the absolute must coincide with the wills of all finite
creatures in their severalty, that God wills in and through men.[404:5]
Corresponding to this individualistic tendency on the part of absolute
idealism, there has been recently projected a _personal idealism_, or
_humanism_, which springs freshly and directly from the same motive.
This philosophy attributes ultimate importance to the human person with
his freedom, his interests, his control over nature, and his hope of the
advancement of the spiritual kingdom through cooperation with his
fellows.[405:6]

[Sidenote: Concessions from the Side of Naturalism. Recognition of
Fundamental Principles.]

Sect. 202. Naturalism exhibits a moderation and liberality that is not
less striking than that of absolutism. This abatement of its claims
began in the last century with agnosticism. It was then conceded that
there is an order other than that of natura