Disciplines
Philosophy | Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion
Abstract
William James’ celebrated lecture on “The Will to Believe” has kindled spirited controversy since the day it was delivered. In this lively reappraisal of that controversy, Father O’Connell contributes some fresh contentions: that James’ argument should be viewed against his indebtedness to Pascal and Renouvier; that it works primarily to validate our “over-beliefs” ; and most surprising perhaps, that James envisages our “passional nature” as intervening, not after, but before and throughout, our intellectual weighing of the evidence for belief.
Recommended Citation
O’Connell, Robert J., "William James on the Courage to Believe" (2018). American Philosophy. 17.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/amer_phil/17
Comments
Fordham University Press and Fordham University Libraries is one of eight institutions to receive a grant in the Humanities Open Book Program, a program jointly sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The grant allows the Press to produce eighteen freely accessible eBooks, initially published by Fordham University Press, with an emphasis on American Philosophy.