Category: William James

On a late September morning in 1891, William James walked reluctantly to his class in Harvard College’s Sever Hall. Characteristically dressed in a colorful shirt and a Norfolk jacket with a boutonniere, he must have seemed slightly bohemian. His lectures were spontaneous and rambling, unlike those of his more logical, organized colleagues. James claimed he…

William James, philosopher and psychologist, was instrumental in establishing Harvard’s psychology department, which at its inception was tied to the department of philosophy. James himself remained unconvinced that psychology was in fact a distinct discipline, writing in his 1892 survey of the field, Psychology: Briefer Course, ‘This is no science; it is only the hope…

William James (1842-1910), Harvard professor of psychology and philosophy, is considered one of the pioneers of the psychology of religion. For James, religion is a deeply subjective phenomenon and not the acceptance of theological teachings. “While I was in general depression about my future, I was suddenly overcome by a terrible existential anxiety. The image…

Evolution Evolution was emphasized in the late 1800s which one of the biggest theories there was at the time was social Darwinism. Darwin’s famous theory was intended to explain biological diversity and a specie’s ability to adapt to its environment. And while his theory has been a staple of science ever since its first publication,…

Luke Skywalker, the protagonist and hero in the “Star Wars” franchise, is nearing the target on the Deathstar to save a planet from mass destruction, but hears a voice from his dead friend, Obi-Wan Kenobi, instructing him to use the force. Conflicted between turning off the tracking computer on the basis of faith or keep…

Abstract Granville Stanley Hall was considered a prophet of science, psychology, and youth. He was eager and well-equipped to share his views on psychology and how he believed it could change and revive education and religion. Hall originally set out to become a minister but was far too interested in literature and philosophy. He pursued…