Pragmatism

Pragmatism (1907) by William James presents a philosophy that judges ideas by their practical consequences rather than by abstract principles. James argues that the meaning and truth of any belief lie in how it works in real life-whether it helps us navigate experience, solve problems, or make sense of the world.He challenges rigid, absolutist systems of philosophy and defends a pluralistic and flexible view of truth, where truths are not fixed eternally but are validated through experience and ongoing use. James also applies pragmatism to religion, science, and metaphysics, suggesting that beliefs can be considered 'true' if they prove useful and life-enhancing, even when they cannot be empirically proven.Overall, the book presents pragmatism as a method for thinking-a way to test ideas by their effects and to keep philosophy closely connected to lived human experience.