With the clarity that James deemed obligatory, Some Problems of Philosophy outlines his theory of perception. The early chapters expose the defects of intellectualism and monism and the advantages of empiricism and pluralism. The novelty that enters into concrete perceptual experience, and that is disallowed by the rationalizing intellect, suggests exciting possibilities. Denied any absolute truth in an ever-changing world, privy to only a piece of the truth at any given moment, the individual can, with faith and good will, help create order out of chaos. Some Problems in Philosophy, published posthumously, represents an important advance in William James's thought.
Philosophy, beginning in wonder, as Plato and Aristotle said, is able to fancy everything different from what it is. This title outlines William James' theory of perception. It exposes the defects of intellectualism and monism and the advantages of empiricism and pluralism. It represents an important advance in William James' thought.
