The Dynamic Individualism of William James

Explores James's concept of the individual in terms of physiology, psychology, philosophy, and religion. The Dynamic Individualism of William James analyzes James's rich and complex thought through an examination of his individualism. A central theme of James's writings, individualism underlies his basic views on freedom, society, government, psychology, education, religion, pragmatism, and metaphysics-yet, until now, no one has undertaken a careful study of this important aspect of James's thought. With close readings of texts that include The Principles of Psychology, The Varieties of Religious Experience, and A Pluralistic Universe, James O. Pawelski engages the range of contexts in which James discusses individualism, offers a refreshingly new reading of his work, and, in seeking to resolve James's own psychology, presents an original and convincing case for his dynamic individualism.