Exam 15: The Pragmatist: William James

The view that everything that happens is governed by cause and effect and follows the laws of nature, so that it must happen just as it does, is called

Who claimed that the problem of free will was not a real one?

For James, truth is always

James gave credit for his success to his brother.

What is individual action, according to Peirce?

James called on persons to be consciously responsible for their lives.

Peirce claimed that the only differences between the meanings of words arose from their etymology.

Outline the pragmatic method. Do you think that this would be useful in your own life? Explain your answer.

The word pragmatism is from the Greek for deed .

Who did James think had historically dominated philosophy?

James was an important figure in the early history of modern psychology.

William James attended Harvard.

Most early pragmatists were Scottish.

How do the views of James and Peirce differ? Which do you think is the most persuasive, and why?

What, according to James, are vital elements of the good life?

How many temperamental types did James identify?

What did James believe we have a basic obligation to do?

What can be proved, according to James?

James held that the philosophy which is important to us is a technical matter.

What does life present us with, according to James?