William James (philosopher)

William James was an influential American philosopher and psychologist, active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is best known for his ideas on pragmatism, which emphasize practical consequences in determining truth, and for his work on the psychology of consciousness. He argued that beliefs should be evaluated based on their effects on actions and experiences. James also explored the nature of the self, free will, and religious experience, making significant contributions to both philosophy and psychology that continue to resonate today. His approach encourages a flexible understanding of truth and reality based on lived experience.