Pragmatism Section II (Lectures V-VIII) Summary and Analysis

Lecture V - Pragmatism and Common Sense

In lecture V, James discusses the topic of common sense and how it relates to pragmatism. He begins by talking about the concept of 'noetic pluralism' which essentially states that it is reasonable that God may not be completely all knowing. This is in contradiction to 'noetic monism' which states that in order to be the 'ultimate' God must be perfect in all senses. James continues by discussing the fact that we learn in little pieces and that we hold on to much of what came before. James posits that 'common sense' is a stage of development of the human mind and that it is built upon knowledge of our ancestors that has carried through. James further discusses the ideas of permanence and impermanence and their...