If we look at the matter in this unbiassed light it will appear
indubitable that the method of physiological psychology is none other
than that of physics; what is more, that this science is a part of
physics. Its subject-matter is not different from that of physics. It
will unquestionably determine the relations the sensations bear to the
physics of our body. We have already learned from a member of this
academy (Hering) that in all probability a sixfold manifoldness of the
chemical processes of the visual substance corresponds to the sixfold
manifoldness of color-sensation, and a threefold manifoldness of the
physiological processes to the threefold manifoldness of
space-sensations. The paths of reflex actions and of the will are
followed up and disclosed; it is ascertained what region of the brain
subserves the function of speech, what region the function of
locomotion, etc. That which still clings to our body, namely, our
thoughts, will, when those investigations are finished, present no
difficulties new in principle. When experience has once clearly
exhibited these facts and science has marshalled them in economic and
perspicuous order, there is no doubt that we shall _understand_ them.
For other "understanding" than a mental mastery of facts never existed.
Science does not create facts from facts, but simply _orders_ known
facts.
Let us look, now, a little more closely into the modes of research of
physiological psychology. We have a very clear idea of how a body moves
in the space encompassing it. With our optical field of sight we are
very familiar. But we are unable to state, as a rule, how we have come
by an idea, from what corner of our intellectual field of sight it has
entered, or by what region the impulse to a motion is sent forth.
Moreover, we shall never get acquainted with this mental field of view
from self-observation alone. Self-observation, in conjunction with
physiological research, which seeks out physical connexions, can put
this field of vision in a clear light before us, and will thus first
really reveal to us our inner man.
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