44 pages 1 hour read

William James

Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1907

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Pragmatism by William James consists of eight lectures originally delivered at the Lowell Institute and Columbia University. It presents pragmatism as a philosophy that mediates between idealism and empiricism by evaluating ideas through their practical consequences. James argues that concepts should be tested in the "marketplace" of experience and posits that truth evolves with knowledge.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

William James's Pragmatism is celebrated for its accessible prose and innovative ideas, making complex philosophy approachable. Critics praise its practical application of thought, though some find it overly simplistic and occasionally inconsistent. Overall, it remains a seminal text that invites readers to reconsider the nature of truth and belief in a pragmatic context.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Pragmatism?

A reader interested in Pragmatism by William James is likely fascinated by philosophy and psychology, particularly the practical application of ideas. They may have enjoyed The Varieties of Religious Experience or John Dewey's Experience and Education. Such readers appreciate nuanced discussions on truth, belief, and the human experience.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Philosophy

Psychology

Religion / Spirituality

Genre

American Literature

Psychology

Philosophy

Themes

Natural World: Appearance & Reality

Values/Ideas: Order & Chaos

Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality