Some Problems of Philosophy Section II (Chapters VIII-Appendix) Summary and Analysis

Chapter VIII - The One and the Many - Values and Defects

In Chapter VIII, James returns to the discussion of the forms of monism and pluralism with emphasis on positives and negatives. James states that one of the negatives of monism is that it does not allow for 'finite consciousness.' In other words, perfection at the source must be infinite. James continues that monism is counter to the way reality is 'perceptually experienced.' He concludes by listing the virtues of pluralism including: involves free will, has a melioristic outlook, is scientific, and agrees with 'the moral and dramatic expressiveness of life.'

Chapter IX - The Problem of Novelty

In Chapter IX, James discuses the concept of novelty and how it presents philosophical challenges...