Description: This edited volume demonstrates that a virtue-centered approach to the ethical life is a consistent feature of William James's moral reasoning from the 1880s until his death. Yet, little else remains constant within his writings on these subjects, and this inconstancy furthers...
Review Quotes:
"William James (1842-1910) is best known for his groundbreaking work in the study of consciousness, psychology of emotions, and philosophy of religion and for the development of the philosophy of pragmatism. His moral philosophy and beliefs about the ethical life have received far less attention and are more difficult to categorize. Was James a Stoic? a utilitarian? a deontologist? an existentialist? a virtue ethicist? Distinguishing between early James and late James, this collection provides an illuminating and welcome map of where things stand in James's moral and ethical thought as they relate to the history of moral and ethical philosophy. Goodson (Southwestern College) organizes the essays in roughly chronological order according to James's writings. This allows readers to see the evolution and development of James's ideas in moral and ethical philosophy over the course of his life. This volume is required reading for anyone interested in exploring the distinctive contributions James made to moral and ethical thought.
Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty; general readers." --Choice Reviews