Psychology

William James’ contribution to philosophy is marked by his innovative idea of pragmatism. This philosophy assesses truths based on their practical effects, suggesting that the true value of an idea lies in its utility. Another groundbreaking concept from James is the ‘stream of consciousness,’ a term he coined to describe the mind’s continuous flow of thoughts and perceptions. His approach to religious experience also stands out, emphasizing personal, emotional connections over traditional institutional views. These concepts not only challenged existing norms but also laid the foundation for modern psychological and philosophical thinking.