“The Present Dilemma in Philosophy”
James begins his discussion of pragmatism with an explanation of what it means as a philosophy. He does this primarily by situating pragmatism without a framework of comparison against other schools of philosophical thought.
“What Pragmatism Means”
In this lecture, James argues that pragmatism is essentially a philosophically mechanism which allows for filling in the gap between rationalism and irrational spiritual beliefs. The mechanism is process for finding a practical answer to a question which comes down on either or the other side of this gap.
“Some Metaphysical Problems Pragmatically Considered”
James defines a difference in theoretical dialectics as one between material substance and spiritual substance. It is the pragmatist’s duties to recognize when two opposing theories formulate essentially identical outcomes even when different terms and philosophical schools are in opposition to each other.
“Pragmatism’s Acceptance of Truth”
The pragmatic approach to defining a valid truth is a simple equation. Something can only be determined to be true if it is capable of withstanding assimilation, validation, corroboration and verification. By definition, anything which cannot stand up under subjection to this equation must be defined as false.
“Pragmatism and Religion”
In this lecture, James rejects the notion of compatibility between pragmatism and single-minded monistic faith. Only those who can accept and embrace a pluralistic notion of spiritual belief can possibly find contentment with the intellectual limbo existing between rationality and irrational faith.
“The Tigers in India”
Although it may be difficult to tell from the title, “The Tigers in India” is devoted to the two ways of knowing things. One can know something intuitively or conceptually. The explanation of the difference between these two means of intellectual apprehension is where the tigers come in. A piece of white paper on a desk before is an example of knowing things intuitively. But most knowledge is conceptual such as tigers which most know only as representations. Of course, many more people know tigers intuitively now because a far larger percentage of the world has actually seen a tiger just as they have seen that white piece of paper.
“The Will to Believe”
The most controversial entry among the “Other Writings” in this text is “The Will to Believe.” It is here that James breaks with a great many philosophic theories and thinkers in suggesting that in some circumstances a belief based on faith and not on empirical evidence is justifiable. He arrives at this conclusion upon what could be interpreted as a sound premise through extrapolation. Belief without evidence is justifiable when a person is confidence they are capable of accomplishing a certain task before they have provided any evidence of that capability upon which to based their confidence.
