The Definition of the Thing is John William Miller's Harvard dissertation of 1922. In this unusually provocative and original essay, Miller had already worked out a number of the basic contentions of his mature philosophy.

A mortally wounded R'shiel seeks the healing powers of the believed-extinct magical Harshini, while Tarja and the Defenders consider an alliance with a long-time adversary in order to protect themselves against Karien invaders.

Philosophy, from the earliest times, has made greater claims, and achieved fewer results, than any other branch of learning. Ever since Thales said that all is water, philosophers have been ready with glib assertions about the sum-total of things; and equally glib denials have come from other philosophers ever since Thales was contradicted by Anaximander. I believe that the time has now arrived when this unsatisfactory state of things can be brought to an end.

If it is reasonable to believe in God, the ways in which God is thought of and spoken of deserve careful attention. This book looks carefully at the philosophical implications for thinking and speaking about God, the problems that have arisen and still arise, and the various solutions that have been proposed. In Part One Brian Davies examines the question of the reality of God. Do we have reason to believe in God? Arguments are discussed based on the beginning of the universe, its continued existence, the order it exhibits, experience of God, and the basis of morality. Finally, the Ontological Argument, based on the concept of God, is examined. Part Two looks at questions raised by what is said about God. Is talk about God meaningless? If not, in what sense can we talk about God? What does it mean to say that God is eternal and changeless? What does it mean to say that God is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent and good? Does the existence of evil invalidate belief in God? Part Three considers more precisely Christian belief in God. Is there a rational basis for Christianity? How does this relate to faith? Can we make sense of the doctrines of the Incarnation and the Trinity? Is prayer reasonable? Throughout the book arguments from all sides are treated readably but rigorously. There is generous provision of searching questions for discussion and further reading.