Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking is a philosophical work by William James. James argues for the usefulness of practical, pragmatic approaches to problems rather than relying solely on theoretical or abstract ideas, suggesting that truth is constantly evolving and is determined by practical consequences rather than abstract reasoning.

Based on the work of William James on Pragmatism Method, this book deals with the question : What Pragmatism Means?"The pragmatic method is primarily a method of settling metaphysical disputes that otherwise might be interminable. Is the world one or many? - fated or free? - material or spiritual? - here are notions either of which may or may not hold good of the world; and disputes over such notions are unending. The pragmatic method is to try to interpret each notion by tracing its respective practical consequences. What difference would it practically make to any one if this notion rather than that one were true? If no practical difference whatever can be traced, then the alternatives mean practically the same thing, and all dispute is idle. Whenever a dispute is serious, we ought to be able to show some practical difference that must follow from one side or the other's being right..."

Over the course of eight lectures originally delivered during the winter of 1906 and 1907 William James describes and defends the theory of pragmatism. Expanding on the earlier works of John Dewey and F. C. S. Schiller, James begins by presenting two competing views of the universe. The “rational” view treats everything as being derived from an absolute truth. Typically this view is based on religious grounds, and the theories need not bear any relation to the imperfect world in which we live. James contends that this is not a useful world view, as it is not applicable to our everyday lives. On the other hand, the “empirical” view considers as admissible only facts that have been materially verified. This view, while practical and useful, neglects anything that cannot be measured. It is fatalistic, and often pessimistic, reducing mankind to nothing more than an advanced animal. James describes pragmatism as a middle-ground between these two views. Under a pragmatic approach, statements are evaluated based on their practical effects. Based on this criterion, empirical facts are valuable, as they have obvious connections to everyday concerns. However, religion, or other more abstract principles, can also be useful, as they can be applied to guide decision-making in the common case where material evidence or direct knowledge is lacking. After defining pragmatism, James applies it to metaphysical problems, including the concepts of truth, common sense, and free will versus determinism. Pragmatism was and remains an important philosophy. In addition to Schiller and Dewey, who applied a pragmatic approach to education and participatory democracy, many prominent thinkers have been influenced by pragmatism, including the sociologist W. E. B. Du Bois. This book is part of the Standard Ebooks project, which produces free public domain ebooks.

Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking by William James is a groundbreaking work that explores the philosophy of pragmatism and its practical applications in personal development and decision-making. Key Aspects of Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking: Pragmatic Approach to Life: The book introduces readers to the concept of pragmatism, which emphasizes the practical consequences of beliefs and actions. James argues that truth should be evaluated based on its usefulness and effectiveness in achieving desired outcomes. He encourages readers to adopt a pragmatic mindset and make decisions that lead to practical results and personal growth. Flexibility and Adaptability: Pragmatism promotes a flexible and adaptive approach to life. James argues that individuals should be open to new ideas, experiences, and perspectives, constantly reassessing and adjusting their beliefs and actions based on practical outcomes. The book emphasizes the importance of learning from experience, experimenting, and adapting to changing circumstances to achieve personal and professional success. Action-Oriented Thinking: James highlights the significance of taking action and testing ideas in the real world. He argues that theories and concepts should be put into practice to determine their validity and effectiveness. Pragmatism encourages readers to actively engage with the world, pursue their goals, and learn from their experiences to continually refine their thinking and approach to life. Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking provides readers with a philosophical framework that can be applied to personal development and decision-making. By embracing pragmatism, individuals can adopt a practical, flexible, and action-oriented mindset, enabling them to navigate challenges, make informed choices, and achieve their goals. William James' thought-provoking ideas and practical insights make this book a valuable resource for those seeking personal growth and development. William James: William James, born in 1842, was an American philosopher and psychologist. Considered one of the founders of American psychology, James made significant contributions to the fields of pragmatism and the study of consciousness. His influential works, such as The Principles of Psychology and Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking, revolutionized our understanding of the mind, perception, and the nature of truth. James' pragmatic philosophy emphasized the practical consequences of beliefs and ideas, shaping the development of American philosophy and psychology.

William James claimed that his Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking would prove triumphant and epoch-making. Today, after more than 100 years, how is pragmatism to be understood? What has been its cultural and philosophical impact? Is it a crucial resource for current problems and for life and thought in the future? John J. Stuhr and the distinguished contributors to this multidisciplinary volume address these questions, situating them in personal, philosophical, political, American, and global contexts. Engaging James in original ways, these 11 essays probe and extend the significance of pragmatism as they focus on four major, overlapping themes: pragmatism and American culture; pragmatism as a method of thinking and settling disagreements; pragmatism as theory of truth; and pragmatism as a mood, attitude, or temperament.