Transforming One's Self

<p><b>A fresh and rigorous interpretation of William James's ethical theory showing how experimenting with life's opportunities can transform one's self and life.</b></p><p>William James (1842-1910) authored some of America's most original and evocative philosophy and psychology. Until recently however his work in ethics attracted little interest despite suggestions from such distinguished peers as John Dewey that ethical themes suffused his writings. Taking those suggestions seriously Clifford S. Stagoll provides an original and rigorous interpretation of James's ethics as a response to the socio-economic circumstances of his day derived from key themes in his metaphysics philosophical psychology philosophy of religion and pedagogical theory. By considering these apparently disparate projects together Stagoll shows how James's recommendations for pursuing a richer more rewarding life-an ethics in the classical sense-are justified by intricate and sophisticated analyses of how we think act and conceive of ourselves. For James making a habit of experimenting with life's myriad opportunities is not just a way to counter thinking that has grown too rigid but a crucial precondition for making the most of one's life and self.</p>