William James' legacy to Alcoholics Anonymous: an analysis and a critique.
Journal of addictive diseases January 1, 1992 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1300/j069v11n03_06 via PubMed
Summary
The founders of Alcoholics Anonymous drew heavily on William James' 'Varieties of Religious Experience' when developing their philosophy and methods. Although AA selectively adopted certain of James' ideas, his influence is evident in the organization's approach. This article reviews James' work, identifies the specific concepts that shaped AA's evolution as a self-help movement, and discusses the implications of this intellectual heritage.
Study at a glance
| Design | theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key finding | William James' 'Varieties of Religious Experience' significantly influenced the philosophy and methodology of Alcoholics Anonymous. |
Abstract
When evolving a philosophy and a "modus operandi" the pioneers of Alcoholics Anonymous made significant use of William James' Varieties of Religious Experience. Indeed, although AA carefully picked and chose various of James' ideas which seemed particularly relevant, James' imprint is clearly stamped upon AA philosophy and methodology. Here, I will review James' work and explore what specific ideas were particularly relevant to AA's evolution as a self-help movement. The implications of this heritage will be explored.