‘Pragmatism, on the other hand, asks its usual question. “Grant an idea or belief to be true,” it says, “what concrete difference will its being true make in any one’s actual life? How will the truth be realized? What experiences will be different from those which would obtain if the belief were false? What, in short, is the truth’s cash-value in experiential terms?”’
A philosopher and a psychologist, William James was one of the most original thinkers in the history of American thought. Influenced by the ideas of Charles Sanders Peirce, they together established the philosophical school of pragmatism, which eventually became the most influential school of philosophy in the United States in the first quarter of the 20th century. Originally a series of lectures propounding the theories of pragmatism, James’ book remains one of the best introductions to the pragmatist school of philosophy. Thought-provoking and original, the book presents a powerful case for James’ philosophy and mounts a convincing attack against the rationalist school of philosophy popular during James’ time.
William James (1842-1910) was an American psychologist and philosopher. He was widely considered to be one of the most influential philosophers in the United States and a leading thinker in the late 19th century. His contribution to philosophy includes the establishment of the philosophical school of pragmatism and developing the philosophical doctrine of radical empiricism. He was also the brother of the famous novelist Henry James.