Studied by 1 person
What does William James belief we are studying when studying religious experience ?
We are studying the very heart of religion.
What does William James say is important when judging whether religious experiences are genuine?
Not what causes them but the effects they have.
Does James accept that there could be psychological explanation for religious experiences ?
Yes- may not however be the whole experience- even if an experience is triggered by something natural it doesnt mean there isn’t another super. Natural one behind it.
How does Pauls Conversion support William James’ argument?
Pauls conversion may have been an epileptic episode but it doesnt mean it wasn’t a genuine religious experience- his life changed after the experience.
What does Ineffable mean?
Unable to be expressed or described in words- beyond description.
What does noetic mean?
Deep knowledge that goes beyond our five senses.
What does transient mean?
An event which passes with time- temporary.
What is “passivity” in a religious experience ?
The person having the religious experience is not taking a leading role- they are being “acted upon”
What is William James’ criteria for religious experiences? (hint: PINT)
Passivity
Ineffable
Noetic (truth revealed that could not be known through reason alone, unlike other human experience)
Transient
What principles do James’ conclusions on religious experience rest on?
Pragmatism- truth is not fixed but “true” is whatever has value for us.- given the effects of religious experience therefore we should assume that they are true
Empiricism- Cannot empirically verify experience but the result of the experience is empirical evidence.
Pluralism- Truth in all faiths- experiences in different faiths can be interpreted differently in our own views but if they produce positive effects then they are in some sense true.
What is James’ analogy with drunkenness?
A drunk is put into another state by alcohol- a mystic may also be able to access different states of consciousness. - not everyone is able to access these experiences.
What conclusions does William James offer at the end of “the varieties of religious experience”?
The world we see is part of a moral spiritual universe from which it gets its main significance
To unite with higher universe is our true end or purpose
Prayer/meditation is a real process where spiritual energy flows and produces psychological and material effects within the world we see
Religion provides people with a new purpose/zest for life
Assurance of safety and a sense of peace and love in relationships to others is produced.
What does James say our true purpose is?
To unite with the higher universe
What does James say religion provides us with?
Purpose/ zest for life
