Pragmatism William James - The word pragmatism is used everywhere today, from business to sports to politics. Although the word hadn't yet entered everyday language when William James published "Pragmatism" in 1907, the philosopher believed its doctrine had virtually become common sense in twentieth-century America. For James, pragmatism was a specific philosophical alternative to essentialism and foundationalism and argued that ideas are meaningful only insofar as they have practical consequences in concrete human experience; however today pragmatism has come to denote merely a general willingness to compromise principles, even to the point of selfishness or irresponsibility. Written in an engaging and accessible style, "Pragmatism" is a valuable corrective to modern uses of the word, since the voice that speaks in its pages embodies precisely the opposite values from the pejorative semes the word has acquired.
Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking is a philosophical work by William James. James argues for the usefulness of practical, pragmatic approaches to problems rather than relying solely on theoretical or abstract ideas, suggesting that truth is constantly evolving and is determined by practical consequences rather than abstract reasoning.
William JAMES (1842-1910). American psychologist and philosopher whose writings on religion and mystical experience have influenced the human potential movement. While James was not especially interested in such notions as "God" or "Absolute Truth", he stressed personal growth and self-improvement, and valued the mystical or transcendental experiences as a means to that end. For him, cosmic consciousness was a continuum "into which our several minds plunge as into a mother-sea reservoir." James helped to found the American "Society for Psychical Research" in 1884 and was a pioneer of psychedelic research. He came to believe that hauntings, phantasms, and trance experiences were essentially natural phenomena that would eventually be explained scientifically. James was the author of several books, including "Principles of Psychology" (1890), "The Varieties of Religious Experience" (1902), and "The Meaning of Truth" (1909).
Expounding on principles of pragmatism and rationality, William James has given a free reign to his thoughts and ideas. He expounds on the behaviour and attitudes of those who are ruled by common sense in comparison to those who are governed by their beliefs. In this amazing work, he forces the readers to review their philosophies of life. Thought-provoking!
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Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking by William James is a groundbreaking work that explores the philosophy of pragmatism and its practical applications in personal development and decision-making. Key Aspects of Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking: Pragmatic Approach to Life: The book introduces readers to the concept of pragmatism, which emphasizes the practical consequences of beliefs and actions. James argues that truth should be evaluated based on its usefulness and effectiveness in achieving desired outcomes. He encourages readers to adopt a pragmatic mindset and make decisions that lead to practical results and personal growth. Flexibility and Adaptability: Pragmatism promotes a flexible and adaptive approach to life. James argues that individuals should be open to new ideas, experiences, and perspectives, constantly reassessing and adjusting their beliefs and actions based on practical outcomes. The book emphasizes the importance of learning from experience, experimenting, and adapting to changing circumstances to achieve personal and professional success. Action-Oriented Thinking: James highlights the significance of taking action and testing ideas in the real world. He argues that theories and concepts should be put into practice to determine their validity and effectiveness. Pragmatism encourages readers to actively engage with the world, pursue their goals, and learn from their experiences to continually refine their thinking and approach to life. Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking provides readers with a philosophical framework that can be applied to personal development and decision-making. By embracing pragmatism, individuals can adopt a practical, flexible, and action-oriented mindset, enabling them to navigate challenges, make informed choices, and achieve their goals. William James' thought-provoking ideas and practical insights make this book a valuable resource for those seeking personal growth and development. William James: William James, born in 1842, was an American philosopher and psychologist. Considered one of the founders of American psychology, James made significant contributions to the fields of pragmatism and the study of consciousness. His influential works, such as The Principles of Psychology and Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking, revolutionized our understanding of the mind, perception, and the nature of truth. James' pragmatic philosophy emphasized the practical consequences of beliefs and ideas, shaping the development of American philosophy and psychology.
Based on the work of William James on Pragmatism Method, this book deals with the question : What Pragmatism Means?"The pragmatic method is primarily a method of settling metaphysical disputes that otherwise might be interminable. Is the world one or many? - fated or free? - material or spiritual? - here are notions either of which may or may not hold good of the world; and disputes over such notions are unending. The pragmatic method is to try to interpret each notion by tracing its respective practical consequences. What difference would it practically make to any one if this notion rather than that one were true? If no practical difference whatever can be traced, then the alternatives mean practically the same thing, and all dispute is idle. Whenever a dispute is serious, we ought to be able to show some practical difference that must follow from one side or the other's being right..."
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