God Arises
The Method of Argument
~ 82 ~
perception, we may reason to the conclusion
that some other fact, though not yet
perceived, exists. We may thus be as sure of
an inferred fact as we are of any perceived
fact, provided that our original data are
perceived facts.
The same method of reasoning leads us to
thousands of different conclusions. They are
now so highly probable that we can regard
them as approximate certainties (p. 49).
This basic principle may be summed up in a single
sentence: The reasoning process is valid because the
universe of fact is rational (p.50).
The universe of fact is a harmonious whole. All
facts are consistent with one another with an
astonishing organization and regularity. Therefore,
any method of study, which does not bring the
harmony and balance among facts into bold relief,
cannot be valid. Emphasising this point, Mander
observes:
The perceived facts are only isolated
fragments of the universe of fact, only patches
