William James
The father of American psychology and pragmatism, James argued that ideas are tools for action and that truth is what works in experience. The Principles of Psychology is the founding text of American psychology; The Varieties of Religious Experience the greatest philosophical study of religion. He wrote with unusual grace and accessibility for a philosopher.
Works
- The Varieties of Religious ExperiencePsychological study of religious experience and mysticism across world religions
- PragmatismPhilosophical defense of pragmatism as truth test based on practical consequences
- The Principles of PsychologyFoundational work in psychology examining consciousness, emotion, and human behavior
- The Will to BelieveEssays on faith, belief, and rationality justifying religious commitment
- Essays in Radical EmpiricismPhilosophical approach treating experience as primary reality over traditional metaphysics
- Principles of PsychologyFoundational study of mental processes, consciousness, emotions and human behavior