William James (1842-1910), einer der Begründer des amerikanischen Pragmatismus, behandelt in seinem berühmten und einflussreichen Aufsatz zwei miteinander verbundene Fragen: Welche moralische Haltung sollen wir einnehmen, um zu Überzeugungen zu gelangen, insbesondere dann, wenn wir keine gesicherte Grundlage für diese haben? Die zweite, speziellere Frage lautet: haben wir das Recht oder sogar die Pflicht, in religiös-weltanschaulichen Zusammenhängen handlungsleitende Überzeugungen auszubilden, auch wenn es für diese keine ausreichenden Evidenzen gibt? Oder anders ausgedrückt: Wie...

In the book "The Will to Believe," James discusses the interrelationships of belief, will, and intellect. He examines such questions as to how we believe, how our intellectual considerations influence our beliefs, or whether the thought can be irrational. He compares chance versus determinism, free will versus fate, and pluralism versus monism. James also writes about psychical research, Hegelianism, and Spencer's philosophy.

This book has been formatted to the highest digital standards and adjusted for readability on all devices. The Varieties of Religious Experience: A Study in Human Nature is a book by Harvard University psychologist and philosopher William James. It comprises his edited Gifford Lectures on natural theology, which were delivered at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland in 1901 and 1902. The lectures concerned the nature of religion and the neglect of science in the academic study of religion.

Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking is a philosophical work by William James. James argues for the usefulness of practical, pragmatic approaches to problems rather than relying solely on theoretical or abstract ideas, suggesting that truth is constantly evolving and is determined by practical consequences rather than abstract reasoning.

William James' 'The Varieties of Religious Experience' is a seminal work that delves into the diverse ways in which individuals experience spirituality and religion. Written in a reflective and insightful manner, the book explores the intricacies of religious beliefs, practices, and their impact on human consciousness. James' writing style is both profound and accessible, making it a must-read for those interested in the fields of psychology, philosophy, and theology. The book is a treasure trove of deep insights into the human experience of spirituality, providing readers with a rich...