“It is only by risking our persons from one hour to another that we live at all. And often enough our faith beforehand in an uncertified result is the only thing that makes the result come true.”
Quote by William James
Work
The Will to Believe: And Other Essays in Popular Philosophy, and Human Immortality
This volume brings together two of William James's significant works. 'The Will to Believe and Other Essays in Popular Philosophy' presents a series of lectures and essays that argue for the legitimacy of adopting beliefs in cases where evidence is insufficient, particularly in moral and religious matters. James defends the right to believe in hypotheses that are live, forced, and momentous, challenging strict evidentialism. The essays cover topics such as the sentiment of rationality, the ethics of belief, and the psychology of religious experience. 'Human Immortality' is a separate essay that examines the philosophical and psychological arguments for the possibility of life after death, considering the nature of consciousness and its relation to the brain. Together, the works reflect James's pragmatic approach to philosophy, emphasizing the practical consequences and personal significance of our beliefs. more
Author
William James
William James, born on January 11, 1842, and died on August 26, 1910, was an influential American philosopher, psychologist, and writer. He is considered one of the founders of functionalism in psychology and has had a profound impact on the fields of psychology, philosophy, and religion. more
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