Cosmologia Generalis

To be premised for the reading of Cosmology.

...ought. Since no one understands general Cosmology unless for him nothing remains obscure in cosmological notions that is self-evident; and since cosmological notions are resolved into ontological notions (§. 2.), he who desires that nothing should remain obscure for him in cosmological matters, and who consequently wishes to understand general Cosmology, must have ontological notions thoroughly perceived.

Likewise, no one is convinced of the truth of those things which are demonstrated in Cosmology, unless he experiences as familiar the principles of demonstration found therein, so that they not only occur to him, as it were, of their own accord when we employ them, but he also experiences a sense of certainty insofar as he recalls a demonstration previously examined (§. 569. Log.). Indeed, since in general Cosmology those things which are demonstrated in Ontology regarding being in general and regarding composite being are applied to the world (§. 2.), and thus the principles of cosmological demonstration are ontological propositions (§. 561. Log.), he who wishes to be convinced of the truth of those things which are taught in Cosmology must experience ontological propositions as familiar.

Therefore, if anyone who approaches Cosmology without yet having greeted Ontology finds that not everything is plain and clear, let him blame himself for experiencing difficulties where none in truth exist. Whoever, therefore, wishes to embrace the momentous principles of Cosmology with firm and unshakable assent must not allow his industry to be found wanting in first philosophy. And thus it is clear when one may successfully progress in the study of general Cosmology. The very citations encountered in this discipline speak abundantly to the fact that without the aids of Ontology, nothing can be achieved in it. These very prolegomena, in which it is not permitted to observe the highest rigor of demonstration, certainly confirm abundantly how much ontological principles contribute to the perception of their truth. Therefore, lest anyone undertake useless labor, whatever intention he may have in approaching the reading of Cosmology, we have judged it altogether advisable to warn the reader at the very threshold what it is expedient to do.

END OF THE PROLEGOMENA.