Philosophy William James pragmatic truth Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Philosophy William James pragmatic truth - Essay Example The theory of pragmatic truth which has been presented by the psychologist and philosopher William James attempts to measure truth in terms of its practical utility or the interests of individuals making judgments about truth. This theory was a natural consequence of the freedoms which were to be found in the new land of America and which made individuals view the world as it really was by making them accept concepts which were of use to them, when making difficult choices. William James was a psychologist and a philosopher and his theory of pragmatic truth illustrates this point when William James becomes more engrossed in thinking about the mental processes, models and past beliefs associated with reaching conclusions about the truth value of propositions, statements, utterances and messages etc. Logic is rejected and truth comes to be associated with the interests of individuals, their passions, rewards etc, even though it can be expected that any truth will be examined by a multi tude of individuals with diverse interests. This essay takes a critical look at William James’s pragmatic theory of truth. The psychologist and philosopher William James was born in 1910 to philosopher Henry James Sr. He was studied medicine at Harvard University and later went to Germany to study psychology in Germany. On his return from Germany, he taught at Stanford, Columbia University and Harvard University. William James was also an author and his greatest masterpiece was his twelve hundred page work The Principles of Psychology which was published in 1890. The work consists of a blend of physiology, psychology, philosophy, and personal reflection (The Radical Academy). Apart from psychology, William James’s other concerns have been religion and an understanding of truth. He is also known as a leading philosopher who has been associated with pragmatism. Pragmatism tries to