William James

William James
Author: Robert D. Richardson
Publisher: HMH
Total Pages: 638
Release: 2007-09-14
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 0547526733

The definitive biography of the fascinating William James, whose life and writing put an indelible stamp on psychology, philosophy, teaching, and religion—on modernism itself. Often cited as the “father of American psychology,” William James was an intellectual luminary who made significant contributions to at least five fields: psychology, philosophy, religious studies, teaching, and literature. A member of one of the most unusual and notable of American families, James struggled to achieve greatness amid the brilliance of his theologian father; his brother, the novelist Henry James; and his sister, Alice James. After studying medicine, he ultimately realized that his true interests lay in philosophy and psychology, a choice that guided his storied career at Harvard, where he taught some of America’s greatest minds. But it is James’s contributions to intellectual study that reveal the true complexity of man. In this biography that seeks to understand James’s life through his work—including Principles of Psychology, The Varieties of Religious Experience, and Pragmatism—Robert D. Richardson has crafted an exceptionally insightful work that explores the mind of a genius, resulting in “a gripping and often inspiring story of intellectual and spiritual adventure” (Publishers Weekly, starred review). “A magnificent biography.” —The Washington Post

Democratic Temperament

Democratic Temperament
Author: Joshua I. Miller
Publisher: University Press of Kansas
Total Pages: 196
Release: 2021-10-08
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 0700631666

Nineteenth-century psychologist and pragmatist philosopher William James is rarely considered a political theorist. Renowned as the author of The Principles of Psychology and The Varieties of Religious Experience, James is often viewed as a radical individualist with no interest in politics; yet he was a critic of imperialism and absolutism and an advocate of tolerance, and his writing includes a penetrating analysis of political psychology. This first book by a political theorist devoted exclusively to James's theory argues that political concerns were in fact central to his intellectual work. Joshua Miller links James to the contemporary public dialogue by treating him as a theorist of action and exploring the complexities of that theory. He also relates the philosopher's thought to his own political experiences and observations and-by explicating, criticizing, and meditating on James-develops provocative new ideas about issues facing democracy today. At the heart of the book is James's description of the "democratic temperament," which comprises a willingness to act, the placing of public good ahead of private comfort, generosity toward one's opponents, and mutual respect among citizens of different viewpoints, races, genders, classes, and religions. Miller sees this temperament as a healthy corrective to the meanspiritedness that characterizes so much current political discourse, which is precisely what makes James's insights so relevant to today's political environment. By revealing how James speaks to the paradoxical condition of modern political existence—withdrawal from public life combined with fanatical action—Miller shows how James's views apply to the possibility and problems of reviving participatory democracy in our era. Scholars who have never considered the political aspects of James's work will find in this study a new way of approaching him and of reconsidering radical democracy, while readers unfamiliar with James will find it a highly accessible introduction to a significant aspect of his thought. Democratic Temperament clearly shows that James deserves to be read not only for his recognized genius but also for his fresh and unexpected insights into the possibilities and paradoxes of American democratic political consciousness.

Manuscript Lectures

Manuscript Lectures
Author: William James
Publisher: Harvard University Press
Total Pages: 758
Release: 1988
Genre: Literary Criticism
ISBN: 9780674548268

This final volume of The Works of William James provides a full record of James's teaching career at Harvard from 1872-1907. It includes working notes for lectures in more than 20 courses. Because his teaching was closely involved with the development of his thought, this material adds a new dimension to our understanding of his philosophy.

Brasil No Olhar de William James

Brasil No Olhar de William James
Author: William James
Publisher: David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies
Total Pages: 240
Release: 2006
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN:

From 1865-1866, James accompanied the director of the recently established Museum of Comparative Zoology on a research expedition to Brazil. This critical, bilingual (English-Portuguese) edition of his diaries and letters includes reproductions of his drawings. This original material belongs to the Houghton Archives at Harvard University.

Young William James Thinking

Young William James Thinking
Author: Paul J. Croce
Publisher: JHU Press
Total Pages: 393
Release: 2018
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 1421423650

Ultimately, Young William James Thinking reveals how James provided a humane vision well suited to our pluralist age.

Essays In Radical Empiricism

Essays In Radical Empiricism
Author: William James
Publisher: Prabhat Prakashan
Total Pages: 281
Release: 2023-10-01
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN:

Embark on a journey of intellectual exploration with "Essays in Radical Empiricism" by William James, a groundbreaking collection of essays that challenges traditional notions of reality, perception, and knowledge. Prepare to engage with profound philosophical ideas as James invites readers to question the nature of consciousness and the foundations of human understanding. In "Essays in Radical Empiricism," William James offers readers a thought-provoking exploration of the fundamental principles that shape our understanding of the world. Drawing from his pioneering work in psychology and philosophy, James presents a radical vision of empiricism that seeks to expand the boundaries of human knowledge and perception. Explore the themes and motifs that permeate "Essays in Radical Empiricism," from the nature of experience to the role of consciousness in shaping our understanding of reality. James's exploration of these themes offers readers a transformative perspective on the nature of existence and the limits of human cognition. Through rigorous analysis and insightful commentary, James challenges readers to reconsider their assumptions about the nature of reality and the foundations of knowledge. From his critique of traditional philosophical frameworks to his exploration of the mysteries of consciousness, each essay offers readers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of history's most influential thinkers. The overall tone and mood of "Essays in Radical Empiricism" are as thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating as the ideas it explores. James's prose is both erudite and accessible, inviting readers to grapple with complex philosophical concepts in a manner that is engaging and enlightening. Since its publication, "Essays in Radical Empiricism" has been celebrated as a seminal work in the field of philosophy and psychology. James's radical vision of empiricism continues to inspire generations of scholars and thinkers, offering a framework for understanding the nature of reality and the mysteries of human consciousness. Whether you're a student of philosophy or simply curious about the nature of existence, "Essays in Radical Empiricism" promises to challenge your assumptions and expand your horizons. Join William James on a journey of intellectual discovery, and explore the profound implications of radical empiricism for our understanding of the world. Don't miss your chance to engage with the groundbreaking ideas of "Essays in Radical Empiricism" by William James. Let its thought-provoking insights and transformative vision of reality inspire you to question the nature of existence and explore the depths of human consciousness.

Some Problems of Philosophy

Some Problems of Philosophy
Author: William James
Publisher: U of Nebraska Press
Total Pages: 260
Release: 1996-01-01
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN: 9780803275874

With the clarity that James deemed obligatory, Some Problems of Philosophy outlines his theory of perception. The early chapters expose the defects of intellectualism and monism and the advantages of empiricism and pluralism. The novelty that enters into concrete perceptual experience, and that is disallowed by the rationalizing intellect, suggests exciting possibilities. Denied any absolute truth in an ever-changing world, privy to only a piece of the truth at any given moment, the individual can, with faith and good will, help create order out of chaos. Some Problems in Philosophy, published posthumously, represents an important advance in William James’s thought.

Psychology

Psychology
Author: William James
Publisher: Courier Corporation
Total Pages: 372
Release: 2012-03-07
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 0486120953

Classic text examines habit, consciousness, self, discrimination, the sense of time, memory, perception, imagination, reasoning, instincts, volition, much more. This edition omits the outdated first nine chapters.

A Pluralistic Universe

A Pluralistic Universe
Author: William James
Publisher: The Floating Press
Total Pages: 227
Release: 2012-09-01
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN: 177556293X

Craving an intellectually stimulating read? Dive into A Pluralistic Universe by William James, an influential thinker and psychologist who also happened to be the brother of acclaimed novelist Henry James. This lucid, gripping account outlines some of James' critiques of standard methods of reasoning. It's definitely challenging, but much more appealing to a general audience than most philosophical tracts.