William James on Democratic Individuality
Cambridge University Press, 11/16/2017
EAN 9781107135956, ISBN10: 1107135958
Hardcover, 248 pages, 23.5 x 15.7 x 1.7 cm
Language: English
William James (1842–1910) argued for a philosophy of democracy and pluralism that advocates individual and collective responsibility for our social arrangements, our morality, and our religion. In James' view, democracy resides first and foremost not in governmental institutions or in procedures such as voting, but rather in the characteristics of individuals, and in qualities of mind and conduct. It is a philosophy for social change, counselling action and hope despite the manifold challenges facing democratic politics, and these issues still resonate strongly today. In this book, Stephen S. Bush explores how these themes connect to James' philosophy of religion, his moral thought, his epistemology, his psychology, and his metaphysics. His fresh and original study highlights the relevance of James' thought to modern debates, and will appeal to scholars and students of moral and political philosophy.
Preface
Abbreviations of James' works
Introduction
1. The political James
2. Collective responsibility and truth
3. Collective responsibility for morality
4. Moral objectivity
5. Individuals and responsibility
6. Sensitivity to strangers
7. Individuality and social change
8. Heroes and citizens
9. Religion and motivation
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index.