Note 29 — Chapter IV · THE IDEAL OF THE WHOLE

It must, however, be understood that the formula in which a finality is expressed is not itself a final formula. The business of definition is precarious, liable to error and dogmatic abuse, and the formulas of finality are to be constantly subjected to revision. Possible and even probable abuse, however, does not warrant the negative attitude at present taken; it does not justify the revulsion of feeling against A Priorism which is just now general. Exasperation with absolutism does not of itself justify recourse to the opposite extreme of pragmatism.