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 passionate argument for academic integrity, aimed at the leaders of Harvard University in response to accusations made by Professor Josiah Royce. The book centers on Abbot's defense against claims that his philosophical work improperly used ideas from Hegel and that Abbot exaggerated the originality of those works. Abbot strongly denies these charges, offering detailed rebuttals and defending his own philosophical approach, known as scientific realism, especially as it differs from philosophical idealism. Through careful examination of Royce's words, Abbot underscores the need for truthfulness and fairness in academic evaluation while urging fairness. He hopes to clear his name, highlight the obligations of educators, and defend Harvard University's dedication to excellence in research.