Exam 15: The Pragmatist: William James

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

What settles our opinions, according to James?

Peirce wanted to develop a philosophy free of meaningless abstractions.

James was on the verge of suicide as a student.

According to James, one of the regular fruits of overstudious philosophy is

How many times must sick souls be born, according to James?

James taught and liked Teddy Roosevelt.

Most early pragmatists were Scottish.

Which two beliefs are unprovable?

James saw pragmatism as a

"Pragma" means "an act" or "without consequences. "

Which of the four major ancient schools of thought is James' pragmatism closest to? In answering this question you should outline the relevant aspects of each school of thought, and show how it is similar to, or different from, that of James' pragmatism.

What is individual action, according to Peirce?

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

Outline the distinction between being "healthy-minded" and "morbid-minded." Do you believe that this is (a) an accurate distinction and (b) a useful one?

Rationalists believe that truth is

James was invited to give the Gifford lectures in Scotland.

Of the three theories of truth that you have encountered so far in this volume, which do you believe is the most accurate and why? Explain your answer, outlining each of the three theories of truth as you do so.

James believed that it was impossible to be too sentimental.

William James said that as a rule we disbelieve any facts that are not useful to us.