William James and Pragmatism

Authors

  • Muhammad Ali Abdel Sadiq Misurata University

Keywords:

Pragmatism, -William James, -philosophy, - the real operation, - belief

Abstract

Pragmatic philosophy is based on a number of different philosophies that adopt a general principle assuming that ideas depend on its benefits regardless of what kind of benefit it may have. In other words, they are ideas which lead to successful practical results in life. This philosophy emerged in the United States of America in the last quarter of the nineteenth century. The first to call this philosophy "pragmatism" is the American philosopher and scientist "Charles Sanders Pierce". Later, the American philosopher and psychologist "William James" appeared with his writings which received great attention in the world of philosophy. Then, it was completed by the great American philosopher "John Dewey". It became complete by establishing the philosophy of pragmatic thinking, as he opened up several areas of application for it. This theory also flourished by the help of philosopher "William James", who was looking at the world as an incomplete visual reality, describing it as multiple, changeable with continuous movement. His philosophy can be described as metaphysical and temporary believing in experience, multiplicity, change and becoming. He described the practical philosopher as the person who approaches objects and observes it closely. This philosophy does not believe but in the individual parts of reality in order to analyze it. William James considered evil describing it as an operation that can be solved by experience. He did not see the world as fortified evil but rather as a flexible fact where people can extract the best of it. He also considered that god's ability is there to help us get rid of evil in this world. As for the belief that William James decided that there are ideas and we cannot judge whether they are true or false because correct scientific knowledge does not exist, we cannot live or think unless we have belief and faith to a certain degree. In addition, James understands belief as a true assumption. He put forward the question 'Why do not we try to control belief? According to him, belief can be an effective factor among several factors which can prove what he believed in

Published

2020-03-01

Issue

Section

Articles