Radical Empiricism - (Pocket Classic)

Author: James
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2006-07-01
Features: The editor was driven by two motivations when preparing this book for publication. On one hand, it aimed to preserve and present some important articles that could not be found in Professor James's other works. This was the case for the first twelve chapters. On the other hand, it sought to compile a series of papers that systematically elaborated on an independent, coherent, and fundamental doctrine. For this purpose, it seemed best to include three papers originally planned but later published elsewhere (Chapter 3, Chapter 6, and Chapter 7), as well as one paper that was not initially included in the plan (Chapter 12). Chapters 3, 6, and 7 are indispensable for the continuity of the series, and they are interwoven so closely with the rest of the chapters that it is necessary for students to have them at hand for reference. Chapter 12 provides important clarification on the author's general "empiricism" and serves as a significant bridge between the "radical empiricism" and the author's other doctrines. The purpose of this book is to fulfill a plan arranged several years before the death of William James. In 1907, James collected some of his published articles, put them into a folder titled "Radical Empiricism," and had copies bound and placed in the Harvard General Library and the Emerson Hall Philosophy Library for student use. This book now brings these articles together for publication, which will be useful not only for students studying Professor James's philosophy but also for those studying metaphysics and epistemology. It systematically and concisely elaborates on the doctrine of "radical empiricism."