William James appears to be a prominent figure in the field of philosophy. He lived in the second half of the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th century in the United States, and his professional activity regarded philosophy, history, and psychology. William James has become famous for his theory of free will and truth. The philosopher advanced an argument: “Truth happens to an idea” (“William James” para. 6). Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to describe the meaning of this statement and find a connection to his reflections on freedom.
In general, the philosopher advanced the meaning that truth in ideas is not something granted and a stagnant property. On the contrary, ideas become and are made true via events. It may be proved by a particular event or process. It should be verified by some practical consequences or, in other words, does not contradict reality (Soccio). William James highlighted that any idea that contributes to operating on reality both theoretically and practically and influences it in a positive way may be considered helpful, which means true (“William James”). Thus, according to the philosopher, truth is subjective, and people choose to believe in things, which match their inclinations.
William James is convinced that objective truth is impossible to exist. In case it exists, its objectiveness may be defined by the current course of action, which may change in the future (Soccio). Facts and their perception always change from time to time, as well as ideas of people, and occasionally, something, which was considered absolutely true in the past, today is apparent false (“William James”). For this reason, James believes that none of the ideas should be approached as absolute truth.
James’s reflections on truth have some connections with his theory on freedom. In general, the philosopher claims that he is incapable of proving or disproving human freedom, though he presents justification, which prompts to believe in it (“William James”). Such an approach admits some degree of possibility, which is not crucial for the rest of reality, while determinism does not approve such possibilities at all (“William James”). It is evident that James is close to indeterminism, as if he does not approve of one of the approaches, it is logical that he is likely to adhere to the opposite option (Soccio). Therefore, according to the philosopher, people have the freedom to choose their plans, aims, intentions, actions, and others, which define their lives. Consequently, as truth cannot be objective and defined by particular ideas, it can be chosen by people as well and becomes a part of their human freedom. The truth appears to be a choice of people, which can be changed, as well as their decision of life path.
In conclusion, it can be mentioned that denying the objectiveness of truth, James also neglects its absoluteness. He is convinced that the truth is sharpened under the impact of people’s ideas, which change from time to time. This also regards the truth, which is not the same even then it was five years ago. This principle has some connections with his though on human freedom. Despite the fact that he does not precisely formulate his opinion on determinism, it is evident that he is close to believing that freedom exists and defined people’s reality. Therefore, the truth may be considered as a form of human freedom.
Works Cited
Soccio, Douglass J. Archetypes of Wisdom. Cengage Learning, 2015.
“William James. Pragmatism (2007). A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking.” Mnstate.