New Releases by William James

« Memories & Studies » by William James is a landmark collection of essays and addresses that distills the intellectual breadth and humanistic spirit of one of Americas most influential philosophers and psychologists. Through a tapestry of personal memories, philosophical reflections, and psychological insights, James explores the mechanisms of memory, the nature of consciousness, and the practical value of ideas in shaping both individual identity and collective progress. The volume opens with tributes to figures such as Louis Agassiz and Robert Gould Shaw, blending biography with meditations on character, education, and the moral responsibilities of leadership. Jamess essays on education advocate for a personalized approach that nurtures intellectual growth and character, rather than simply transmitting static knowledge. His reflections on philosophy articulate the core of American pragmatism, arguing that the truth of an idea lies in its practical consequences and its capacity to solve real-world problems. In his psychological studies, James investigates the interplay between mind and body, the stream of consciousness, and the role of habits in shaping behavior. He discusses the subconscious, the development and transformation of habits, and the psychological roots of religious experience, always emphasizing the dynamic and evolving nature of human thought. Social essays address the ethical imperatives of peace, the dangers of war, and the cultivation of virtues like courage and benevolence. Throughout, James weaves in personal anecdotes and intellectual autobiography, offering a unique window into the experiences that shaped his philosophy and scientific outlook. The collection stands as a testament to Jamess enduring influence on psychology, philosophy, education, and moral thought, providing both scholars and general readers with a rich resource for understanding the complexities of mind, behavior, and society.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1882.

In "The Origin of Finger-Printing," William James Herschel meticulously chronicles the groundbreaking practice of using fingerprints as a method of personal identification. Written in a clear and engaging style, Herschel''s work navigates the intersections of science and law, presenting not only the technicalities of fingerprinting techniques but also their profound implications for justice and social order in the late 19th century. The book serves as a pivotal commentary on forensic science, situating fingerprinting within the broader context of emerging technologies that sought to systematize and improve personal identification. William James Herschel, a British civil servant and pioneer in the field of criminology, was instrumental in developing fingerprinting as a reliable identification tool. His personal experiences in India, where he first utilized this method for practical purposes, shaped his conviction in the efficacy of biometric identification. Herschel''s scientific curiosity and professional background laid the groundwork for a transformative approach to law enforcement, making this work both a reflection of his innovative thinking and a significant cultural milestone. For scholars, practitioners, and anyone intrigued by forensic developments, "The Origin of Finger-Printing" is an essential read. It not only enlightens on the historical evolution of fingerprinting but also highlights its relevance in contemporary identification systems, making it a timeless resource for understanding both the roots and the future of forensic science.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

In "Psychology: Briefer Course," William James condenses his groundbreaking ideas from his earlier work, "The Principles of Psychology," offering readers an accessible yet profound exploration of the human mind. This volume represents a crucial synthesis of his thoughts on consciousness, behavior, and emotion, articulating his pragmatist philosophy while employing a clear and engaging literary style. James''s reflections on the functional aspects of mental processes reveal the interplay between experience and thought, situating the work within the late 19th-century psychological discourse that bridged empiricism and introspection. William James, often regarded as the father of American psychology, was profoundly influenced by the scientific advances of his time, as well as his philosophical inquiries into the nature of existence. His dual background in philosophy and physiology uniquely shaped his understanding of the mind, allowing him to approach psychology with both a scientific and a humanistic lens. His prior studies and the philosophical environment at Harvard undoubtedly propelled him to distill complex concepts into a more digestible format, appealing to both academic and general audiences. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in the foundations of psychology, offering insights that are as relevant today as they were over a century ago. Readers will gain a valuable perspective on human behavior and thought processes, making it an indispensable resource for students, scholars, and anyone curious about the intricacies of the mind.

These lectures concerning the nature of religion were delivered at the University of Edinburgh between 1901 and 1902. Soon after its publication, the book found its way into the canon of psychology and philosophy, and has remained in print for over a century. So don''t wait! Scroll up and buy now.

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, Scotland between 1901 and 1902

Beginning in 1891, William James gave frequent lectures to teachers in which he explained the psychology he had developed in his "Principles of Psychology" and offered suggestions on applying the science of psychology to the art of education. Similarly, beginning in 1895, James delivered a series of lectures to college students.

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, Scotland between 1901 and 1902.

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, Scotland between 1901 and 1902. The lectures concerned the psychological study of individual private religious experiences and mysticism, and used a range of examples to identify commonalities in religious experiences across traditions.Soon after its publication, Varieties entered the Western canon of psychology and philosophy and has remained in print for over a century.

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.Soon after its publication, Varieties entered the Western canon of psychology and philosophy and has remained in print for over a century.James later developed his philosophy of pragmatism. There are many overlapping ideas in Varieties and his 1907 book, Pragmatism

This eBook 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.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

The Varieties of Religious Experience: A Study in Human Nature is a book Harvard University psychologist and philosopher William James. It comprises his edited Gifford Lectures on natural theology, which...

Harvard psychologist and philosopher William James'' The Varieties of Religious Experience: A Study in Human Nature explores the nature of religion and, in James'' observation, its divorce from science when studied academically. After publication in 1902 it quickly became a canonical text of philosophy and psychology, remaining in print through the entire century.

THE ancestors of William James, with the possible exception of one pair of great-great-grandparents, all came to America from Scotland or Ireland during the eighteenth century, and settled in the eastern part of New York State or in New Jersey. One Irish forefather is known to have been descended from Englishmen who had crossed the Irish Channel in the time of William of Orange, or thereabouts; but whether the others who came from Ireland were more English or Celtic is not clear. In America all his ancestors were Protestant, and they appear, without exception, to have been people of education and character. In the several communities in which they settled they prospered above the average. They became farmers, traders, and merchants, and, so far as has yet been discovered, there were only two lawyers, and no doctors or ministers, among them. They seem to have been reckoned as pious people, and several of their number are known to have been generous supporters of the churches in which they worshiped; but, if one may judge by the scanty records which remain, there is no one among them to whom one can point as foreshadowing the inclination to letters and religious speculation that manifested itself strongly in William James and his father. They were mainly concerned to establish themselves in a new country. Inasmuch as they succeeded, lived well, and were respected, it is likely that they possessed a fair endowment of both the imagination and the solid qualities that one thinks of as appropriately combined in the colonists who crossed the ocean in the eighteenth century and did well in the new country. But, as to many of them, it is impossible to do more than presume this, and impossible to carry presumption any farther.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

"All the work of my pen that bears directly on the truth-question" Pragmatism is the most famous single work of American philosophy. Its sequel, The Meaning of Truth, is its imperative and inevitable companion. "William James describes a man who got the experience from laughing-gas; whenever he was under its influence, he knew the secret of the universe, but when he came to, he had forgotten it. At last, with immense effort, he wrote down the secret before the vision had faded. When completely recovered, he rushed to see what he had written. It was: "A smell of petroleum prevails throughout." - Bertrand Russell, A History of Western Philosophy Contents Preface I. The Function of Cognition II. The Tigers in India III. Humanism and Truth IV. The Relation Between Knower and Known V. The Essence of Humanism VI. A Word More About Truth VII. Professor Pratt on Truth VIII. The Pragmatist Account of Truth and its Misunderstanders IX. The Meaning of the Word Truth X. The Existence of Julius Cæsar XI. The Absolute and the Strenuous Life XII. Professor Hébert on Pragmatism XIII. Abstractionism and "Relativismus" XIV. Two English Critics XV. A Dialogue

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

William James, the radical modern philosopher and father of American psychology, found habit and will to be the secret of a good life. He elaborated this discovery into a philosophy of life that runs through his many scintillating writings, ranging from psychology and religion to pragmatism and war. Always he urged people to cultivate habits of mind---especially habits of will, including the power to break bad habits---that give us self-mastery. alert us to truth, equip us to act, and lend zest to life. In the extensive introduction James Sloan Allen shows how William James came to his philosophy of life and how he played it out in ideas and works that have immediate value today. In the selections that are included in the book, we see William James weaving his philosophy through classic writings on habit and its uses, consciousness and the discipline of will, the efficacy of belief and clues to morality, the truths of experience, and the strenuous life and its rewards.

Craving an intellectually stimulating read? Dive into A Pluralistic Universe by William James, an influential thinker and psychologist who also happened to be the brother of acclaimed novelist Henry James. This lucid, gripping account outlines some of James'' critiques of standard methods of reasoning. It''s definitely challenging, but much more appealing to a general audience than most philosophical tracts.

This classic book, written by a Professor of Psychology at Harvard University, discusses some issues that are essential to people interested in psychology concerning religion.

A selection of seventeen essays from the writings of pioneering American psychologist/philosopher William James that provide insight into his thinking on emotion, war, habit, determinism, religion, and other topics.

Why is real-world experience vital to a mature appreciation of any philosophical system? Why is the search for objective truth a trickier proposition than it seems at first glance? American psychologist and philosopher WILLIAM JAMES (18421910), brother of novelist Henry James, was a groundbreaking researcher at Harvard University, author of such works as Principles of Psychology (1890) and The Varieties of Religious Experience: A Study in Human Nature (1902), and one of the most influential academics of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Here, in a series of essays first published in book form in 1909, and considered a sequel to his series of lectures collected in Pragmatism (also available from Cosimo), James explores these questions as he discusses: [ the function of cognition [ humanism and truth [ the relation between knower and known [ the essence of humanism [ the meaning of the word truth [ the absolute and strenuous life [ and more.

William James, a member of America''s most illustrious intellectual family, is widely acclaimed as the country''s foremost philosopher, the first of its psychologists, and a champion of religious pluralism. As the apostle of pragmatism, his influence on American thought is as strong now as it has ever been. James''s emphasis on the creative power of faith, will, and action, his opening up of philosophy to the fresh air of ordinary experience, his fascination with alternative forms of belief and states of consciousness, and his impatience with dogmas of any kind--all make him a defender of individual experience, and earn him a place beside Emerson and Whitman as an exponent of American democratic culture. In this volume are the brilliant, engagingly written works of James''s early and middle years. The Will to Believe and Other Essays in Popular Philosophy advances the liberating argument that each of us has the right to believe in hypotheses that are not susceptible to proof and that such beliefs might actually change the world. The conversational style of these essays reflects their origin in public lectures, as well as James''s conviction that truth can be discovered as much in the course of everyday life as in the activities of science or of philosophical speculation. Talks to Teachers and to Students, also drawn from lectures, helped transform the emerging science of education. Here James applies his new psychology to classroom theory and conduct, especially for the primary grades. This immensely influential book has never gone out of print. It emphasizes the role in learning of instinct, play, and habit, along with the importance of engaging the voluntary interests of students. James''s warm and sympathetic nature informs his treatment of children, who can best be taught by those who respect the child''s autonomy and who avoid what he calls "hammering in." Psychology: Briefer Course is far more than a shortened version of his monumental Principles of Psychology. It significantly revises parts of the earlier work and adds important new materials. (Students liked to call the longer book "James" and the shorter one "Jimmy".) James''s new psychology moved away from discussions of the soul, morality, and logic, and focused instead on instinct, will, and the importance of action and habit. Passages comparing human consciousness to "a wonderful stream" inspired the "stream of consciousness" in the future work of Joyce, Woolf, and Gertrude Stein, a student of James''s at Harvard. "Human Immortality," which defends the possibility of life after death, and eight more of James''s most important essays round out this second volume devoted to a writer who was called by John Dewey "almost a Columbus of the inner world."

Despite the modesty of its title, the publication of this book in 1899 was a significant event. It marked the first application of the relatively new discipline of psychology, and specifically of James''s theses in The Principles of Psychology, to educational theory and classroom practice. The book went through twelve printings in as many years and has never been out of print. Among its innovative features were James''s maxims "No reception without reaction" and "No impression without expression"; a new emphasis on the biology of behavior and on the role of instincts; and discussions of the relevance to elementary school education of what is known about will, attention, memory, apperception, and the association of ideas. Appended to the fifteen talks to schoolteachers were three talks to college students, as pertinent today as when they were written: "The Gospel of Relaxation," "On a Certain Blindness in Human Beings," and "What Makes a Life Significant?"

A pioneer in early studies of the human mind and founder of that peculiarly American philosophy called Pragmatism, William James remains America''s most widely read philosopher. Generations of students have been drawn to his lucid presentations of philosophical problems. His works, now being made available for the first time in a definitive edition, have a permanent place in American letters and a continuing influence in philosophy and psychology. The essays gathered in the posthumously published Essays in Radical Empiricism formulate ideas that had brewed in James''s mind for thirty years as he sought a way out of the philosophical dilemmas generated by the new psychology of the late nineteenth century. They constitute the explanatory core of his doctrine of radical empiricism, a doctrine that charts his course between the absolute idealism he could not accept and, at the other extreme, the law of associationism, which reduces knowledge to sheer contiguity of ideas. In his introduction John J. McDermott describes the historical background and the genesis of James''s theory and considers the objections raised by its opponents.