Abstract

Using both published and unpublished material, Murphey, more systematically than any previous scholar, has attempted to lay bare the philosophic development of Peirce's thought. He divides Peirce's thought into four stages, arguing that each was inspired by a definite concept of an over-all architectonic. Since logic is the key to that achitectonic, Murphey tries to show how logical considerations lead to the evolution and modification of each stage. Murphey's patience with detail and careful elucidations help the reader gain a firmer grasp of the complexities of Peirce, even where there may be disagreement about his interpretations. A substantial contribution to Peirce scholarship; but one wishes that Murphey might have grappled more with the philosophic cogency and implications of Peirce's challenging ideas. -R. J. B.