William James

William James (1842-1910) is widely regarded as one of the most important philosophers of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and a major figure in the history of psychology. In this clear and engaging book Henry Jackman introduces and explains William James’s philosophy. It will be of interest to anyone studying James, American philosophy, twentieth-century philosophy, and also to those in related subjects such as religion and the history of psychology.

William James (1842-1910) is widely regarded as one of the most important philosophers of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and a major figure in the history of psychology. Renowned for his philosophical theories of pragmatism and "the will to believe", his work encompassed a rich array of subjects from consciousness and free will to religion, evolution, ethics and the meaning of life.

In this clear and engaging book Henry Jackman introduces and explains William James’s philosophy. Beginning with an overview of James’s life and work, he explores the following key topics:

• James’s life and works
• psychology and its importance for James’s philosophy
• rationality, belief and faith
• pragmatism and meaning
• pragmatism and truth
• ethics and religion
• James’s reception and philosophical legacy.

Including chapter summaries, annotated further reading and a glossary, this book is ideal for those coming to James for the first time as well as those already acquainted with his thought. It will be of interest to anyone studying James, American philosophy, twentieth-century philosophy, and also to those in related subjects such as religion and the history of psychology.