Professor Royce's Libel: A Public Appeal for Redress to the Corporation and Overseers of Harvard University

"Professor Royce's Libel" by Francis Ellingwood Abbot is a philosophical treatise written in the late 19th century. This book serves as a public appeal for redress directed at the administration of Harvard University, addressing accusations made against Abbot by Assistant Professor Josiah Royce. The primary topic revolves around the principles of academic integrity, the responsibilities of educators, and the need for a fair discourse in philosophical criticism. In this work, Abbot vehemently defends his reputation against what he perceives as unjust allegations from Royce, who claimed that Abbot's philosophical ideas improperly borrowed from the idealist thinker Hegel and accused him of making exaggerated claims about his originality. Abbot meticulously refutes these claims, asserting the validity of his own philosophical stance, which he identifies as scientific realism opposed to philosophical idealism. Throughout the text, he outlines specific instances of misrepresentation in Royce's review, emphasizing the importance of honest critique and accountability within academic discourse. Ultimately, Abbot seeks not just personal vindication but also aims to uphold the honor of Harvard University and its commitment to scholarly ethics.