# Pragmatism — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for Pragmatism by William James.

- [Dedication](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pragmatism_se/chapters/dedication.md): The chapter is a brief dedication to John Stuart Mill, acknowledging him as the source from whom the author first learned the pragmatic openness of mind and imagining him as a leader if he were alive today.
- [Pragmatism](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pragmatism_se/chapters/pragmatism.md): William James introduces pragmatism as a new name for some old ways of thinking, presenting it as a method for settling metaphysical disputes by tracing practical consequences. He contrasts the tough-minded and tender-mi
- [Lecture I: The Present Dilemma in Philosophy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pragmatism_se/chapters/lecture-i-the-present-dilemma-in-philosophy.md): James introduces his lecture series by emphasizing the practical importance of philosophy, arguing that a person's worldview is the most significant thing about them. He acknowledges the challenge of making technical phi
- [Lecture II: What Pragmatism Means](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pragmatism_se/chapters/lecture-ii-what-pragmatism-means.md): James introduces the pragmatic method, tracing it to Peirce's principle that the meaning of an idea lies in its practical consequences. He contrasts the pragmatist's concrete, fact-loving temperament with the rationalist
- [Lecture III: Some Metaphysical Problems Pragmatically Considered](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pragmatism_se/chapters/lecture-iii-some-metaphysical-problems-pragmatically-considered.md): James applies the pragmatic method to metaphysical problems, particularly the debate between materialism and spiritualism (theism). He argues that when considered retrospectively (with no future), both theories are equiv

> 6 more chapter companions — [open a free preview](https://www.betterreads.dev/reader?bookId=pragmatism_se_815kb&preview=1) to unlock the rest.

- [Lecture IV: The One and the Many](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pragmatism_se/chapters/lecture-iv-the-one-and-the-many.md)
- [Lecture V: Pragmatism and Common Sense](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pragmatism_se/chapters/lecture-v-pragmatism-and-common-sense.md)
- [Lecture VI: Pragmatism's Conception of Truth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pragmatism_se/chapters/lecture-vi-pragmatism-s-conception-of-truth.md)
- [Lecture VII: Pragmatism and Humanism](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pragmatism_se/chapters/lecture-vii-pragmatism-and-humanism.md)
- [Lecture VIII: Pragmatism and Religion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pragmatism_se/chapters/lecture-viii-pragmatism-and-religion.md)
- [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pragmatism_se/chapters/endnotes.md)

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pragmatism_se/chapters