Synopses & Reviews
William James' celebrated lecture on The Will to Believehas kindled spirited controversy since the day it was delivered. In this lively reappraisal of that controversy, Father O'Connell contributes some fresh contentions: that James' argument should be viewed against his indebtedness to Pascal and Renouvier; that it works primarily to validate our over-beliefs; and most surprising perhaps, that James envisages our passional natureas intervening, not after, but before and throughout, our intellectual weighing of the evidence for belief.
Review
"A thorough and sympathetic analysis of James' lecture on "The Will to Believe," a lecture which-once read-"does not admit of being easily left aside." O'Connell takes on those critics who have reckless "wishful thinking." Central to O'Connell's approach is his very helpful treatment of the "passional side of human nature" and the role it plays in James' epistemology. It is not merely an element to be brought in when the intellect has reached an impasse. A valuable and important book"
Synopsis
Based on William James' celebrated lecture, 'The Will to Believe', this lively reappraisal features James' arguments on the willingness to believe.