William James

His belief about RE form his book “the varieties”

beloved verification of RE was not crucial and it was self-authenticating —- admitted not a logical proof of god

William James quote from “the varieties”

Religion leads to “consistency, stability”

What was James’ profession

Psychologist

strengths of James being a psychologist

Collected testimonies, analysed and categorised them + notes common featured

Pragmatic approach

He was concerned with the actual, practical effects on people, not supernatural speculations

James’ findings

These experiences had a life transforming effect on people. Positive effects : happier outlook on life, sense of purpose, better relationships with others

Healthy minded soul vs sick soul

Healthy : open to ideas and possibilities — Sick : skeptical — RE tends to make people healthy minded

Main conclusions

1) effects are real = real cause (if god is believed to the the cause, then god exists to those individuals)