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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Royce says that limits for which group are a result of only a piece of absolute will?

2. In Lecture II, James outlines the meaning of ______________.

3. What do Lectures XVI and XVII outline?

4. What is the first sub-category of spiritualism that James discusses?

5. Whom does James refer to as feeling fundamentally fed up with life?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does James says beliefs are based on? Do you agree?

2. How does James designate the difference between those who are saintly and those who are not?

3. Describe Fechner's approach to philosophy.

4. How does James describe reasoning as a part of rationalism?

5. What does James say that truth is for pragmatists?

6. What information about Bergson does James want the reader to take note of?

7. What did you learn about Josiah Royce from James' lectures?

8. What is radical empiricism?

9. According to James, what is inquiry designed for?

10. What is common sense as James sees it? Do you agree?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe James' concept of human nature. How do humans act, according to James? How do they perceive new information? What do they want to believe?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the emphasis that James places on education. What does James say about education and knowledge? What are the benefits of education that he explains? What does this tell you about James' purpose in sharing his work with the reader?

Essay Topic 3

Describe James' attempt to address challenges posed to his philosophies and ideas. What challenges is he effective at addressing? Does he solve any problems? What is the purpose of mentioning the challenges?

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