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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)
