William James

Essays in Radical Empiricism

Philosophical approach treating experience as primary reality over traditional metaphysics

About the author

William James
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.

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