Abstract

The release of a systematic metaphysical treatise, Being and Other Realities, and Volume 23 of the Library of Living Philosophers, The Philosophy of Paul Weiss, then, calls for an exposition of this latest expression and an inquiry into both Weiss's method and its role in the development of his thought up to this point. In what follows, the somewhat novel doctrine of Being and Other Realities will be briefly summarized. Then, Weiss's philosophical method and their role in the development of his system will be addressed. The expressions "method" and "system" refer to the totality of Weiss's different methods and systems; their unities are not entirely clear. What Weiss's "method," is, that is, which one is foremost, has perplexed Weiss's readers for some time. It continues to do so. Here, several methods will be identified, including one based on his early theory of the propositions used in perceptual judgment. This will shed light on the continuity and consistency of his many systematic expressions. Although not an in-depth study of Being and Other Realities, this article is an attempt to place that work in the context of Weiss's entire opus, hopefully making both more accessible.