William James has 6 audiobooks on Listento.it, narrated by 5 narrators, with an average listener rating of 4.7★ across 13 ratings. The most-rated is The Varieties of Religious Experience.
The Varieties of Religious Experience
Summary
First published in 1905, The Varieties of Religious Experience is a collection of lectures given at the University of Edinburgh in 1901 and 1902. William James was a psychologist and, as such, his interest in religion was not that of a theologian but of a scientist. In these 20 lectures, he discusses the nature and origin of religious belief. The average believer is one who has inherited his religion, but this will not do for James's inquiry. He must find those believers who have a voracious religious faith because these people have also often experienced a number of peculiar psychological episodes, including having visions, hearing voices, and falling into trances. Students of psychology and those interested in the mental process of belief will find these lectures informative.
Public Domain (P)2011 Tantor
The Principles of Psychology, Vol. I
Summary
First published in 1890, this book established psychology as a science and served as the quintessential work in the field for decades. James' intricate studies and paradigm-shifting ideas transformed the way we look at human thought and action. The text covers the core concepts of what it means to be human - brain function, consciousness, discrimination, memory, sensation, imagination, reasoning, and instinct. Chapters on four central ideas - habit, stream of consciousness (stream of thought, as James put it), emotion, and will - remain the definitive treatments of the topics. James' work influenced all major branches of psychology that followed, including psychoanalysis, Würzburg, gestalt, behaviorism, cognitive psychology, evolutionary psychology, and behavioral economics. No credible psychologist of the last hundred years fails to cite William James and the Principles of Psychology as a major influence. The book is published in two volumes, the first containing Chapters I through XVI and the second continuing from XVII to XXVIII. Note: This audio has been edited to normalize narration speed.
Public Domain (P)2018 New Classic Books
The Principles of Psychology, Vol. II
Summary
First published in 1890, this book established psychology as a science and served as the quintessential work in the field for decades. James’ intricate studies and paradigm-shifting ideas transformed the way we look at human thought and action. The text covers the core concepts of what it means to be human - brain function, consciousness, discrimination, memory, sensation, imagination, reasoning, and instinct. Chapters on four central ideas - habit, stream of consciousness (stream of thought, as James put it), emotion, and will - remain the definitive treatments of the topics. James’ work influenced all major branches of psychology that followed, including psychoanalysis, Würzburg, Gestalt, behaviorism, cognitive psychology, evolutionary psychology, and behavioral economics. No credible psychologist of the last 100 years fails to cite William James and The Principles of Psychology as a major influence. The book is published in two volumes, the first containing Chapters I through XVI and the second continuing from XVII to XXVIII.
Public Domain (P)2018 New Classic Books
The Varieties of Religious Experience
Summary
This landmark work by William James remains one of the most insightful books on psychology and spirituality. James considers the feelings, actions, and experiences of individuals, insofar as they understand themselves to be in a relationship with the divine. It examines the religion of everyday life and has nothing to do with doctrine or dogma. Dealing objectively with a wide spectrum of observed and personally related religious experiences, James quotes from the autobiographical writings of famous authors, theologians, and mystics from many traditions including Whitman, Luther, Voltaire, Emerson, and Tolstoy. As a comprehensive survey, the work contributes to the understanding of consciousness, psychological processes, thought, and emotion. Chapter titles include "Religion & Neurology", "The Reality of the Unseen", "The Religion of Healthy-Mindedness", "The Sick Soul", "The Divided Self", and "The Process of Unification, Conversion, Saintliness, Mysticism and Philosophy". Also serving as a plea for religious tolerance, the book has some particularly captivating sections, like those on the religion of healthy-mindedness, the sick soul, and mysticism.
Public Domain (P)2020 Museum Audiobooks
A Pluralistic Universe by William James
Summary
The Pluralistic Universe is a product of the mind of William James, thought to be one of the most influential thinkers of the early 19th century. James was known as the father of American psychology and the founder of the school of radical empiricism. The Pluralistic Universe is a collection of lectures that James gave at Oxford University between 1908 and 1909. They contain the earliest expression of some of his most profound metaphysical thoughts. James has an unorthodox approach to philosophy. He critically reviews the accepted perspective of classic philosophers from Plato to Kant, highlighting the inconsistencies in their work and providing a compelling alternative to their conclusions. This is the work of the philosopher's philosopher, a man who had the insight to pierce the veil of dogma and cut through the academic language that separates philosophy from the language of life. The Pluralistic Universe is a must-hear for students of philosophy and for anyone interested in the nature of thought and existence.
©2015 AudioLearn (P)2015 AudioLearn
The Meaning of Truth
Summary
The Meaning of Truth is a prime example of the philosophical movement of pragmatism, which was developed in the United States in the 19th century. Written in 1907 by one of the most ardent proponents of pragmatism, William James, this collection of 15 essays answers the critiques that pragmatist tradition had received. The Meaning of Truth constitutes a sequel to the previous book, James produced earlier in 1907, named Pragmatism which was based on the lectures given in Boston and at Columbia. An ingenious approach to the movement which James represents, a bright clarification of all the misunderstandings and an acute review on the lectures delivered by anti-pragmatists who doubted and speculated falsely over the meaning of truth. Includes: A brief background of the author and the work Overview, synopsis, and analysis Historical context, criticisms, and social impact Chapter-by-chapter summary The full narration of the text This audiobook is suitable for students and anyone interested in contemporary philosophy.
©2014 AudioLearn (P)2014 AudioLearn