WILLIAM JAMES AND THE ROLE OF MYSTICISM IN RELIGION
Manuscrito December 20, 2021 G. Rodrigo Benevides B. 2 citations
William James argues that mystical states of consciousness form the root of all religions. Despite his own admission of being personally shut out from such experiences, he contends that the practical developments of mysticism within institutionalized religions demonstrate the reality of these states. This stance is supported by his pragmatist philosophy, which evaluates ideas by their practical consequences. The paper examines both the nature of mysticism and James's pragmatist view of religion.