The Metaphysical Foundation of Buddhism and Modern Science
The Metaphysical Foundations of Buddhism and Modern Science: Nagarjuna and Alfred North Whitehead
The Metaphysical Foundations of Buddhism and Modern Science: Nagarjuna and Alfred North Whitehead
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'subjective form', is that I strech its meaning beyond 'emotion'. For<br />
example consciousness, if it be present, is an element in the subjective<br />
form. This is, <strong>of</strong> course, a grave divergence from Bradley. Subjective<br />
form is the character assumed by the subject by reason <strong>of</strong> some<br />
prehended datum.<br />
But on the whole I conform to Bradley's conception <strong>of</strong> the function <strong>of</strong><br />
subjective form. For example, "<strong>The</strong>se puzzles are insoluble unless that<br />
which I feel, <strong>and</strong> which is not an object before me, is present <strong>and</strong> active.<br />
This felt element is used <strong>and</strong> it must be used in the constitution <strong>of</strong> that<br />
object which satisfies me"[p. 161].<br />
From my point <strong>of</strong> view there is an ambiguity in this statement, but I<br />
adhere to either alternative meaning.<br />
<strong>The</strong> component <strong>of</strong> feeling 'which is not an object before me' is the<br />
subjective form. If Bradley is stating that the subjective forms <strong>of</strong><br />
feelings determine the process <strong>of</strong> integration, I entirely agree. <strong>The</strong><br />
result, as Bradley states, is the 'satisfaction' which is the final feeling<br />
terminating the unrest <strong>of</strong> the creative process.<br />
Bradley, however, may mean by his phrase "that which I feel, <strong>and</strong> which is<br />
not an object before me" what I terme a "negative prehension". Such a<br />
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