As promised, here is an overview of James's philosophical pragmatism. As I pointed out in S1P2, James had a very interesting upbringing. He would have heard Emerson, Whitman, and Thoreau arguing/discussing issues with his father. James was raised in an age that argued history was moving ever toward "completion", even if this completion was in the infinite future. That said, James did not begin his studies within Philosophy proper, rather, James studied Physiology. In the mid 1800's this was akin to studying with a STEM focus. This lead James to receive his PhD in Physiology, and his MD in Psychology. James is often described as the Godfather of American Psychology, though James would also claim that Psychology would NEVER be a "hard" science; though that is often overlooked by Psychology majors . . .
James studied Psychology for about ten years or so, before turning his attention to more philosophically pressing issues, such as the meaning of Truth, Facts, and the "Human Condition". It is here that James is most groundbreaking, and YEARS ahead of his time. Today even Psychology is going back to his work as his accounts of the brain, neurons, etc., is more or less how contemporary Neurology speaks about the brain and consciousness.
As also promised, I will provide some lectures on these issues from the courses I teach in Minnesota. So rather than waste time typing about James, here is a good lecture on James's general philosophical view. Check it out and feel free to post any and all questions/comments!
