Essays in Radical Empiricism by William James is a collection of philosophical essays that explores the nature of reality and perception. James argues for a radical empiricism that seeks to understand the world through direct experience rather than abstract theories. He posits that our perceptions and experiences shape our understanding of the world, and that truths can only be discovered through lived experiences.

The essays in this collection are thought-provoking and challenging, delving into topics such as consciousness, perception, and the nature of reality. James's writing is clear and engaging, making complex ideas accessible to readers. He encourages readers to reexamine their assumptions and preconceptions about the world, and to embrace a more open-minded and experiential approach to understanding.

Overall, Essays in Radical Empiricism is a compelling and important work of philosophy that offers valuable insights into the nature of perception and reality. Readers who are interested in philosophy, psychology, and the nature of knowledge will find this collection to be a stimulating and enlightening read.

Book Description:

William James (1842 – 1910) was a pioneering American psychologist and philosopher. He wrote influential books on the young science of psychology, educational psychology, psychology of religious experience and mysticism, and the philosophies of pragmatism and Radical Empiricism.

Essays in Radical Empiricism is a collection edited and published posthumously by his colleague and biographer Ralph Barton Perry in 1912. It was assembled from a collection of reprinted journal articles published from 1904–1905 which James had deposited in August 1906 at Harvard University, for supplemental use by his students.