________________
Presidential Address
811
word. If the law of association or of the "conditional reflex" were properly analysed it would point to a principle of synthesis and illumination which turns the sense data into mental life. Thus Russell has prepared the case for Idealism, but has inconsequentially wandered into materialistic Realism.
The whole trouble of the scientists arises from their failure to appreciate the true nature of consciousness. No analysis of mind or matter can successfully reduce reality to a series of discrete particulars or dethrone consciousness from its central position. These Akrūras of scientists do not realise what confusion the Gopīs will fall into when Kęshna is removed from their midst. Reality is one eternal Rāsa of Kțshna and Gopis–Kfshņa setting the tune from the centre, as well as appearing by the side of every one of the Gopīs who occupy the points on the circumference. Consciousness has thus a double aspect
the noumenal and the phenomenal. The latter is the legitimate province of scientists, while the former falls within the exclusive jurisdiction of philosophers. If Alexander had analysed and not treated as ultimate the distinction between the 'enjoyed' and the 'contemplated' self, and Russell had explored the full import of the distinction which he has made between perception objectively regarded' and 'self-observation', they would have perhaps arrived at the point of view which makes Idealism inevitable.
III Now let us for a moment consider whether modern Science which has obviously failed to supersede Philosophy has fared better in the matter of Religion.
