William James

The Will to Believe, and Other Essays in Popular Philosophy (eBook, ePUB)

Exploring the Depths of Belief and Free Will

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

In "The Will to Believe, and Other Essays in Popular Philosophy," William James presents a compelling exploration of the relationship between belief, faith, and rationality. Written in accessible prose, this collection of essays delves into philosophical concepts grounded in pragmatism'Äîa movement for which James is a pivotal figure. Through analyses of belief systems, particularly in religious contexts, James asserts that our will to believe can be justified in the absence of definitive evidence, emphasizing the role of personal experience and subjective truth in shaping beliefs. This collection conveys the vibrant intellectual climate of the late 19th century, where philosophical inquiry was increasingly intertwined with psychology and the social sciences. William James, an eminent psychologist and philosopher, was deeply influenced by the tumultuous socio-political landscape of his time as well as his own interdisciplinary upbringing in a prominent intellectual family. His formative experiences in both philosophy and psychology, along with his interest in spirituality, culminated in this work, which challenges conventional epistemology and seeks to redefine the boundaries of rational thought. By promoting a pluralism of beliefs, James not only engages with philosophical doctrines but also examines their practical implications for personal conviction and moral life. Readers seeking a profound yet approachable dive into philosophical thought will find "The Will to Believe" an essential text. It encourages critical introspection regarding the nature of belief and the interplay between science and spirituality. James' insightful analyses and accessible writing style make this work suitable for both seasoned philosophers and those new to the field, urging readers to reconsider the power and importance of their own beliefs.

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Produktdetails

• Verlag: Good Press
• Seitenzahl: 315
• Erscheinungstermin: 19. November 2019
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 4057664112453
• Artikelnr.: 58436370

Autorenporträt

William James (1842-1910), a pioneering American psychologist and philosopher, is best known for his formative contributions to psychology, educational theory, the philosophy of religion, and pragmatism. Born into an intellectual family with his brother Henry James later becoming a renowned novelist, William James studied medicine at Harvard University, though his interests and writings extended far beyond the medical field. His seminal works, like 'The Will to Believe, and Other Essays in Popular Philosophy' (1897), reflect his belief in pragmatism and the importance of empirical thinking, which posits that the truth of an idea is measured by its practical outcomes and contributions to human experience. James's emphasis on the role of individual will and belief shaped his philosophical investigations, allowing for a subjective approach to truth and reality. His literary style, characterized by lucidity and the skillful use of metaphor, engaged a wide readership, effectively bridging the gap between academic discourse and popular philosophy. A celebrated academic, James's ideas have enduring influence and continue to garner respect for their insightful analysis of consciousness, emotion, and the human condition. In addition to his philosophical pursuits, James's 'The Principles of Psychology' (1890) remains a foundational text in the field, marking him as a key figure in the establishment of psychology as a distinct scientific discipline.