Complete Works--William James
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Reading and Writing Workshop

The Writings of William James
Session 1: Introduction to William James and Pragmatism
Reading:

• The Will to Believe (1897), Essay I: "The Will to Believe"
  • URL: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/26659

Writing Prompt:

• Do you agree with James’ argument that it is sometimes justifiable to believe without prior evidence? Why or why not? Provide examples from your own experiences.

Session 2: Truth and Experience in Pragmatism

Reading:

• Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking (1907), Lecture VI: "Pragmatism’s Conception of Truth"
  • URL: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/5116

Writing Prompt:

• How does James redefine the concept of truth? Write a reflective response analyzing how this view contrasts with more traditional philosophical ideas about truth.

Session 3: Radical Empiricism and the Flow of Consciousness
Reading:

• Essays in Radical Empiricism (1912), Essay I: "Does Consciousness Exist?"
  • URL: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/11984

Writing Prompt:

• Explore the idea of "pure experience." Write a short philosophical essay applying this concept to a recent moment in your life.

Session 4: The Stream of Consciousness
Reading:

• The Principles of Psychology (1890), Chapter IX: "The Stream of Thought"
  • URL: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/57628

Writing Prompt:

• James describes consciousness as a stream. Compose a narrative or personal reflection that mimics a “stream of consciousness” style. Then, reflect on the experience of writing this way.

Session 5: The Moral Equivalent of War
Reading:

• The Moral Equivalent of War (1910)
  • URL: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/23766

Writing Prompt:

• What does James propose as a “moral equivalent” to war? Do you find his argument persuasive in today’s context? Write an opinion piece drawing connections to contemporary global or social challenges.

Session 6: Religion and Personal Experience
Reading:

• The Varieties of Religious Experience (1902), Lecture II: "Circumscription of the Topic"
  • URL: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/621

Writing Prompt:

• James emphasizes individual religious experience over doctrine. Reflect on a moment of awe, transcendence, or deep belief in your life and connect it to James’ understanding of religious experience.

Session 7: Free Will and Determinism
Reading:

• The Dilemma of Determinism (from The Will to Believe collection)
  • URL: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/26659

Writing Prompt:

• In what ways does James reconcile free will with determinism? Do you believe in free will? Write a philosophical argument responding to James.

Session 8: Workshop Showcase and Synthesis
​Reading:

• Choose one additional essay or excerpt from the following collection:
  • Talks to Teachers on Psychology; and to Students on Some of Life's Ideals
  • URL: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/16287

Writing Prompt:

• Synthesize your understanding of James' thought across psychology, philosophy, and personal ethics. Write a personal manifesto, essay, or creative piece inspired by James' ideas.