A Pluralistic Universe
Description
Originally delivered as the 1908 Hibbert Lectures, A Pluralistic Universe provides an explanation of the philosophy known as “radical empiricism.” This theory rejects the certainty of the “absolute,” an academic theory that holds that all existence is only the observable part of an all-encompassing entity that governs every detail in universe. By contrast, radical empiricism contends that while such an absolute may be possible, it’s unprovable within the experiences of our finite lives, and so has little practical value.
Much like the theories James describes in his landmark work Pragmatism, radical empiricism evaluates the truth of a statement based on experiences and observations that we can actually have. This view doesn’t exclude religion, as religion can be directly experienced, even if people may differ on exactly what the experience is. Anything that can be experienced must, by definition, exist, and therefore can be analyzed using radical empiricism.
When these lectures were given, the academic consensus was in favor of some version of the absolute. James spends much of the lectures discussing and critiquing the ideas of other philosophers, in particular Hegel, Fechner, and Bergson. He finds much to like in each of the works he discusses, but finds them all incomplete.
Read free
This ebook is thought to be free of copyright restrictions in the United States. It may still be under copyright in other countries. If you’re not located in the United States, you must check your local laws to verify that this ebook is free of copyright restrictions in the country you’re located in before accessing, downloading, or using it.
Download for ereaders
-
Compatible epub — All devices and apps except Kindles and Kobos.
-
azw3 — Kindle devices and apps. Also download the Kindle cover thumbnail to see the cover in your Kindle’s library. Despite what you’ve been told, Kindle does not natively support epub. You may also be interested in our Kindle FAQ.
-
kepub — Kobo devices and apps. You may also be interested in our Kobo FAQ.
-
Advanced epub — An advanced format that uses the latest technology not yet fully supported by most ereaders.
Read online
A brief history of this ebook
More details
Sources
Transcriptions
Page scans
Improve this ebook
Anyone can contribute to make a Standard Ebook better for everyone!
To report typos, typography errors, or other corrections, see how to report errors.
If you’re comfortable with technology and want to contribute directly, check out this ebook’s GitHub repository and our contributors section.
You can also donate to Standard Ebooks to help fund continuing improvement of this and other ebooks.