James and Dewey on Belief and ExperienceDonald Capps, John M. Capps Donald Capps and John Capps's James and Dewey on Belief and Experience juxtaposes the key writings of two philosophical superstars. As fathers of Pragmatism, America's unique contribution to world philosophy, their work has been enormously influential, and remains essential to any understanding of American intellectual history. In these essays, you'll find William James deeply embroiled in debates between religion and science. Combining philosophical charity with logical clarity, he defended the validity of religious experience against crass forms of scientism. Dewey identified the myriad ways in which supernatural concerns distract religious adherents from pressing social concerns, and sought to reconcile the tensions inherent in science's dual embrace of common sense and the aesthetic. James and Dewey on Belief and Experience is divided into two sections: the former showcases James, the latter is devoted to Dewey. Two transitional passages in which each reflects on the work of the other bridge these two main segments. Together, the sections offer a unique perspective on the philosophers' complex relationship of influence and interdependence. An editors' introduction provides biographical information about both men, an overview of their respective philosophical orientations, a discussion of the editorial process, and a brief commentary on each of the selections. Comparing what these foremost pragmatists wrote on both themes illumines their common convictions regarding the nature of philosophical inquiry and simultaneously reveals what made each a distinctive thinker. |
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absolute action activity actual aesthetic artistic attitude become called conceived conception concrete conflict connection consciousness consequences continuous Copernican revolution Darwin define definition Dewey’s difficulties divine doctrine elements emotional empiricist ence existence experienced external F. C. S. Schiller fact faith feel field final find fine finite first fixed fulfill fulfillment function gnostic human hypothesis ical idea ideal imagination influence inquiry intellectual James and Dewey James’s Jo Ann Boydston John Dewey knowledge living logic man’s matter means metaphysical mind moral nature object one’s organized over-beliefs particular perception philosophy physical possible practical pragmatism present Psychology question reality reflection relations religious beliefs religious experience result rience science of religions scientific method sense significance social sort specific supernatural theism theory things thought tion transcendentalist true truth universe values whole William James word