Writings, 1902-1910 Chapter Summary & Analysis - The Meaning of Truth Section I (Lectures I-VII) Summary

The Meaning of Truth Section I (Lectures I-VII) Summary and Analysis

Lecture I - The Function of Cognition

In lecture I, James discusses how cognition is understood. James suggests that the truth of an idea is based on how well it works and not on the thing to which the idea points. He posits that cognition is a 'function of consciousness' and that feeling is a 'state of consciousness considered subjectively.' James asserts that feelings are important because they are direct 'percepts' of the outside world and they also determine response actions in the external world.

Lecture II - The Tigers in India

In lecture II, James discusses different ways of knowing. James posits two ways of knowing; one is 'immediate and intuitive,' the other is 'conceptual and representational.' He suggests that knowing is a way of mentally 'pointing' at an object. In order to 'know' an object, James asserts that we must go through a particular context of...
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