William James

Entre 1906 y 1907, William James (1842-1910) pronunció una serie de conferencias que darían lugar a "Pragmatismo", manifiesto para una filosofía del futuro, más práctica y humana, centrada en la cotidianidad del hombre, que provocaria grandes criticas entre mentalidades racionalistas pero tambien enorme entusiasmo entre filosofos vitalistas como Bergson. Heredero del espiritu empirista y utilitarista pero abierto a interpretaciones practicas de la metafisica y la religion, James reexamino en esta obra no solo algunos de los problemas perennes de la filosofia, sino tambien los desafios que el evolucionismo y la ciencia moderna planteaban a las viejas concepciones de lo humano y lo divino, la verdad y la libertad. Escrito a caballo entre dos mundos, un pasado puritano que no acababa de morir y un futuro modernista que empezaba a nacer, "Pragmatismo" es un texto sumamente interesante para entender el papel de la filosofia en tiempos convulsos.Traduccion y prologo de Ramon del CastilloEntre 1906 y 1907, William James (1842-1910) pronunció una serie de conferencias que darían lugar a "Pragmatismo", manifiesto para una filosofía del futuro, más práctica y humana, centrada en la cotidianidad del hombre, que provocaria grandes criticas entre mentalidades racionalistas pero tambien enorme entusiasmo entre filosofos vitalistas como Bergson. Heredero del espiritu empirista y utilitarista pero abierto a interpretaciones practicas de la metafisica y la religion, James reexamino en esta obra no solo algunos de los problemas perennes de la filosofia, sino tambien los desafios que el evolucionismo y la ciencia moderna planteaban a las viejas concepciones de lo humano y lo divino, la verdad y la libertad. Escrito a caballo entre dos mundos, un pasado puritano que no acababa de morir y un futuro modernista que empezaba a nacer, "Pragmatismo" es un texto sumamente interesante para entender el papel de la filosofia en tiempos convulsos.Traduccion y prologo de Ramon del Castillo

William James gave public lectures on psychology to the Cambridge teachers in which he explained the psychology he had developed in his "Principles of Psychology" and offered ideas on applying the science of psychology to the art of education. This book contains the substance of his lectures not only given to the Cambridge teachers but to the students as well.

In "Is Life Worth Living?", William James embarks on a profound philosophical inquiry that grapples with the existential dilemmas of despair, purpose, and the human condition. Written in a reflective style characteristic of Jamess work, the text synthesizes psychology, philosophy, and personal narrative to engage readers in a dialogue on the value of life. The book emerges from the cultural backdrop of 19th-century America, a period marked by rapid changes and burgeoning existential thought, thus placing Jamess exploration within a larger literary and philosophical context that interrogates the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. William James, a pioneering psychologist and philosopher often referred to as the father of American psychology, draws upon his extensive academic background and personal struggles to illuminate the complexities of human experience. His philosophical pragmatism, which suggests that truth is not an absolute but a variable shaped by individual experience, deeply informs this work. Jamess own encounters with depression and existential doubt lend authentic, poignant weight to his arguments, encouraging readers to confront their uncertainties within the framework he provides. "Is Life Worth Living?" is a compelling read for anyone grappling with questions of purpose and existence. Jamess rich, thoughtful prose invites readers to embark on their own introspective journey, promoting a dialogue that is as relevant today as it was in his time. This work is not just for the academic or philosophical reader, but for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of lifes worth amidst its inherent challenges.In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:- A succinct Introduction situates the works timeless appeal and themes.- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the eras events and influences that shaped the writing.- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the authors life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the works messages, connecting them to modern life.- Handpicked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

In "The Hidden Self," William James explores the intricate facets of human consciousness and the often overlooked dimensions of the self. Through a blend of philosophical inquiry and psychological insight, this work delves into the subconscious influences that shape human behavior and identity. Written in Jamess characteristic accessible prose, the book situates itself within the burgeoning fields of psychology and philosophy at the turn of the 20th century, engaging with contemporary discussions on selfhood and individual experience. His seminal exploration challenges preconceived notions of identity and calls for a deeper understanding of personal authenticity beyond surface-level perceptions. William James, an esteemed philosopher and psychologist often heralded as the father of American psychology, draws from his extensive background in psychology, philosophy, and naturalism to craft this compelling narrative on the complexity of the self. His commitment to pragmatism and his employment of introspective methodologies have played a vital role in shaping his examination of human nature. Furthermore, Jamess own experiences with mental health and his fascination with mysticism inform the profound themes and perspectives presented in this work. I highly recommend "The Hidden Self" to anyone intrigued by the inner workings of the mind and their implications for personal identity. Scholars, students, and general readers alike will find not only a thought-provoking examination but also a rich historical context that continues to resonate with todays discussions in psychology and philosophy. Jamess pioneering ideas encourage readers to reflect on their own hidden selves and the broader human experience.In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:- A succinct Introduction situates the works timeless appeal and themes.- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the eras events and influences that shaped the writing.- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the authors life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the works messages, connecting them to modern life.- Handpicked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

At most of our American Colleges there are Clubs formed by the students devoted to particular branches of learning; and these clubs have the laudable custom of inviting once or twice a year some maturer scholar to address them, the occasion often being made a public one. I have from time to time accepted such invitations, and afterwards had my discourse printed in one or other of the Reviews. It has seemed to me that these addresses might now be worthy of collection in a volume, as they shed explanatory light upon each other, and taken together express a tolerably definite philosophic attitude in a very untechnical way.

W.J. e considerato il piu importante filosofo americano, insieme a C.S. Pierce e John Dewey, rappresentante del pragmatismo, cioe della particolare visione del mondo che vede il pensiero al servizio dellazione e della volonta, cioe dei bisogni e della liberta dellindividuo. "La fede in qualche cosa, puo contribuire a crearla." In questo libro James rivendica il diritto dellindividuo di dare ascolto a una sua fede personale per affermare certi valori nel mondo. INDICEIntroduzione La volonta di credereVal la pena di vivere?Il sentimento di razionalita Il dilemma del determinismoI grandi uomini e il loro ambiente

THE pivotal part of my book named Pragmatism is its account of the relation called truth which may obtain between an idea (opinion, belief, statement, or what not) and its object. Truth, I there say, is a property of certain of our ideas. It means their agreement, as falsity means their disagreement, with reality. Pragmatists and intellectualists both accept this definition as a matter of course.Where our ideas [do] not copy definitely their object, what does agreement with that object mean? ... Pragmatism asks its usual question. "Grant an idea or belief to be true," it says, "what concrete difference will its being true make in any ones actual life? What experiences [may] be different from those which would obtain if the belief were false? How will the truth be realized? What, in short, is the truths cash-value in experiential terms?" The moment pragmatism asks this question, it sees the answer: TRUE IDEAS ARE THOSE THAT WE CAN ASSIMILATE, VALIDATE, CORROBORATE, AND VERIFY. FALSE IDEAS ARE THOSE THAT WE CANNOT. That is the practical difference it makes to us to have true ideas; that therefore is the meaning of truth, for it is all that truth is known as.

THE pivotal part of my book named Pragmatism is its account of the relation called truth which may obtain between an idea (opinion, belief, statement, or what not) and its object. Truth, I there say, is a property of certain of our ideas. It means their agreement, as falsity means their disagreement, with reality. Pragmatists and intellectualists both accept this definition as a matter of course.Where our ideas [do] not copy definitely their object, what does agreement with that object mean? Pragmatism asks its usual question. Grant an idea or belief to be true, it says, what concrete difference will its being true make in any ones actual life? What experiences [may] be different from those which would obtain if the belief were false? How will the truth be realized? What, in short, is the truths cash-value in experiential terms? The moment pragmatism asks this question, it sees the answer: True ideas are those that we can assimilate, validate, corroborate, and verify. False ideas are those that we cannot. That is the practical difference it makes to us to have true ideas; that therefore is the meaning of truth, for it is all that truth is known as.

The question, What are the religious propensities? and the question, What is their philosophic significance? are two entirely different orders of question from the logical point of view; and, as a failure to recognize this fact distinctly may breed confusion, I wish to insist upon the point a little before we enter into the documents and materials to which I have referred.In recent books on logic, distinction is made between two orders of inquiry concerning anything. First, what is the nature of it? how did it come about? what is its constitution, origin, and history? And second, What is its importance, meaning, or significance, now that it is once here? The answer to the one question is given in an existential judgment or proposition. The answer to the other is a proposition of value, what the Germans call a Werthurtheil, or what we may, if we like, denominate a spiritual judgment. Neither judgment can be deduced immediately from the other. They proceed from diverse intellectual preoccupations, and the mind combines them only by making them first separately, and then adding them together.

"The Varieties of Religious Experience is a generous and endlessly insightful book about human nature." The New York Times"The most notable of all books in the field of the psychology of religion and probably destined to be the most influential book written on religion in the 20th century." Psychology todayPublished in 1902 and quickly established itself as a classic, this book is a work that opens a new era of thinking. The study made by William James brings us a new definition of the word Religion which "shall mean for us the feelings, acts, and experiences of individual men in their solitude, so far as they apprehend themselves to stand in relation to whatever they may consider the divine." Therefore, a religious experience appears to be a subjective experience which is interpreted within a religious framework.This book is fully annotated by the author (more than 300 footnotes) and contains a short biography.

In "Talks to Teachers on Psychology; and to Students on Some of Lifes Ideals," William James adeptly interweaves psychological principles with practical guidance for educators and students alike. This collection of lectures transcends mere academic discourse; James employs a conversational tone rich in metaphors and vivid examples, making complex psychological concepts accessible. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century educational reform, this work addresses the pressing need to integrate psychological insights into teaching methodologies and student development, highlighting the interplay between individual character and social context. William James, often regarded as the father of American psychology, brings a wealth of intellectual background to this work, influenced by his diverse experiences in philosophy, psychology, and pedagogy. His commitment to pragmatism and humanistic values is evident throughout the text. Drawing from his profound understanding of human nature and educational dynamics, Jamess insights reflect his dedication to fostering intellectual and moral growth in both teachers and students. This book is highly recommended for educators, psychology students, and anyone interested in the philosophical underpinnings of education. Jamess ability to bridge theory and practice offers vital insights that remain relevant today, inspiring readers to reflect on the ideals that shape both learning and teaching.

In "Human Immortality: Two Supposed Objections to the Doctrine," William James adeptly navigates the philosophical terrain surrounding the concept of human immortality, presenting a compelling defense against prevalent skepticism. With a rich blend of psychological insight and metaphysical inquiry, James examines two major objections that challenge the idea of an everlasting soul. His writing stands as a testament to both his pragmatism and profound understanding of human belief, all while engaging with metaphysical notions that resist easy categorization. This work emerges against the backdrop of late 19th-century philosophical discourse, wherein existential doubts regarding life after death were increasingly prevalent. William James, a seminal figure in the development of pragmatism and psychology, draws upon his extensive background in philosophy and psychology to confront these vital questions about existence. His experiments with religious experience and interest in the intersection of science and spirituality are evident throughout the text. James unique perspective is shaped not only by his intellectual environment but also by his commitment to the practical application of philosophical ideas in real life. This book is essential reading for anyone intrigued by the philosophical and psychological implications of immortality. Its persuasive arguments and eloquent prose encourage readers to reflect deeply on their beliefs about existence and destiny. Join James on this contemplative journey, whether you are a seasoned philosopher or simply curious about the permanence of the human spirit.In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:- A succinct Introduction situates the works timeless appeal and themes.- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the eras events and influences that shaped the writing.- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the authors life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the works messages, connecting them to modern life.- Handpicked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

First published in 1902, "The Varieties of Religious Experience" by William James, a psychologist and philosopher who taught at Harvard, contains, in edited form, a series of natural theology lectures called the Gifford Lectures which he delivered at the University of Edinburgh in the two years leading up to its publication. The lectures argue about the nature of religion and the tendency of modern religious studies to ignore the importance of science in their research. The lectures, immediately acclaimed, are considered part of the Western canon. The lectures also contain hints of Jamess developing notion of pragmatism, which he later synthesised in his 1907 book, "Pragmatism".

There are some peopleand I am one of themwho think that the most practical and important thing about a man is still his view of the universe. We think that for a landlady considering a lodger, it is important to know his income, but still more important to know his philosophy. We think that for a general about to fight an enemy, it is important to know the enemys numbers, but still more important to know the enemys philosophy. We think the question is not whether the theory of the cosmos affects matters, but whether, in the long run, anything else affects them.

First published in 1907, "Pragmatism", a philosophical work by American philosopher William James, is an exploration of what is known as the pragmatic method, designed as a way to reconcile the claims of science with those of religion and morality. Pragmatism as a philosophy considers different philosophies most useful in terms of how they are implemented. Ultimately, James argues that any idea, be it philosophical, political, social, or otherwise, is valid only in terms of its experiential and practical consequences. The primary themes of Pragmatism are of truth, meaning, and reality, and the value they have when implemented. James explores the consequences of these differing philosophies when implemented, whether they can help people make better sense of the world and resolve the problems faced as both individuals and a larger society. "Pragmatism" is considered one of the most influential works of pragmatist philosophy.Two years later, a follow-up work, "The Meaning of Truth: A Sequel to Pragmatism" appeared. It is still widely read and analysed today by students of philosophy.

The lectures that follow were delivered at the Lowell Institute in Boston in November and December, 1906, and in January, 1907, at Columbia University, in New York. They are printed as delivered, without developments or notes. The pragmatic movement, so-calledI do not like the name, but apparently it is too late to change itseems to have rather suddenly precipitated itself out of the air. A number of tendencies that have always existed in philosophy have all at once become conscious of themselves collectively, and of their combined mission; and this has occurred in so many countries, and from so many different points of view, that much unconcerted statement has resulted. I have sought to unify the picture as it presents itself to my own eyes, dealing in broad strokes, and avoiding minute controversy. Much futile controversy might have been avoided, I believe, if our critics had been willing to wait until we got our message fairly out.

Indice dei ContenutiPrefazionePrefazione dellautoreParte Prima - Gli Ideali della VitaI. Il Vangelo dellabbandonoII. Di una curiosa cecita negli esseri umaniIII. Cio che da senso ad una vitaParte Seconda - Discorsi agli insegnanti sulla PsicologiaCapitolo I. La psicologia e larte dinsegnareCapitolo II. La corrente della coscienzaCapitolo III. Il bambino come un organismo educabileCapitolo IV. Educazione e contegnoCapitolo V. La necessita delle reazioniCapitolo VI. Reazioni congenite e reazioni acquisiteCapitolo VII. Quali sono le reazioni congeniteCapitolo VIII Le leggi dellabitudineCapitolo IX. Lassociazione delle ideeCapitolo X. InteresseCapitolo XI. AttenzioneCapitolo XII. MemoriaCapitolo XIII. Lacquisizione delle ideeCapitolo XIV. AppercezioneCapitolo XV. La volontaNote

The present volume is an attempt to carry out a plan which William James is known to have formed several years before his death. In 1907 he collected reprints in an envelope which he inscribed with the title Essays in Radical Empiricism; and he also had duplicate sets of these reprints bound, under the same title, and deposited for the use of students in the general Harvard Library, and in the Philosophical Library in Emerson Hall.Two years later Professor James published The Meaning of Truth and A Pluralistic Universe, and inserted in these volumes several of the articles which he had intended to use in the Essays in Radical Empiricism. Whether he would nevertheless have carried out his original plan, had he lived, cannot be certainly known. Several facts, however, stand out very clearly. In the first place, the articles included in the original plan but omitted from his later volumes are indispensable to the understanding of his other writings.