William James: the story on HearLore

From Physiology To Philosophy

James enrolled at Harvard Medical School in 1864 after switching from scientific studies. A break in spring 1865 saw him join naturalist Louis Agassiz for an Amazon River expedition. Severe seasickness and mild smallpox forced his return after eight months. Illness interrupted his studies once more in April 1867. He traveled to Germany seeking a cure and remained there until November 1868. At age twenty-six he began publishing reviews in literary periodicals like the North American Review. He earned his MD degree in June 1869 yet never practiced medicine. His soul-sickness resolved only in 1872 following philosophical searching. He married Alice Gibbens in 1878 and joined Theosophical Society in 1882. James taught anatomy and physiology before becoming assistant professor of psychology in 1876. He rose to full professorship in philosophy by 1885. An endowed chair in psychology followed in 1889 before he returned fully to philosophy in 1897.

When was William James born and where did he enter the world?

William James entered the world on the 11th of January 1842 at the Astor House in New York City. His father Henry James Sr held an independently wealthy fortune and served as a Swedenborgian theologian.

What medical degree did William James earn and when did he receive it?

James earned his MD degree in June 1869 yet never practiced medicine. He enrolled at Harvard Medical School in 1864 after switching from scientific studies.

How does William James define emotion in the James-Lange theory?

Emotion arises as the mind perceives physiological conditions following a stimulus according to the James-Lange theory formulated during the 1880s. We do not run because we fear a bear; we fear because we run away.

Where did William James die and what caused his death?

James died the 26th of August 1910 at home in Chocorua New Hampshire following heart failure. He was buried family plot Cambridge Cemetery Cambridge Massachusetts.

Which book by William James is considered the most influential work of American philosophy?

His lectures on pragmatism remain arguably most influential book of American philosophy. The Principles of Psychology totaled twelve hundred pages across two volumes taking twelve years to complete.

William James.

From Physiology To Philosophy

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Common questions

When was William James born and where did he enter the world?

What medical degree did William James earn and when did he receive it?

How does William James define emotion in the James-Lange theory?

Where did William James die and what caused his death?

Which book by William James is considered the most influential work of American philosophy?

Pragmatism And Radical Empiricism

Emotion And The Divided Self

Mysticism And Religious Experience