Mircea pascu biography of william james

William James was born on January 11, , the eldest son of Henry and Mary (Walsh) James.

William James is considered to be one of the most stimulating and insightful American philosophers, as well as second of the three great pragmatists. As the professor of philosophy and of psychology at Harvard University, William became the most popular living psychologist in American and later the most renowned living American philosopher of his time.

Evading the logically tight systems of European rationalists, William cobbled together a psychology full of philosophical implications and one that is enriched by his own psychological expertise. He came from an extremely affluent family. His father was interested in theology and philosophy and strove to offer him with a rich education.

The James children made regular trips to Europe, went to the best schools, and were immersed in art, which ultimately paid off — William expressed an early interest in becoming a painter. However, his father wanted him to pursue a career in science or philosophy. Only after James persisted in his interest did his father permit him to study painting.

After studying painting with William Morris for a year, James abandoned his dream in favor of science. In , he enrolled at Harvard University to study chemistry. Although two of his brothers joined the army, William did not due to his health problems. After a few years, he studied medicine at Harvard, where he continued to study on and off over a few years, between sicknesses and sabbaticals, including a bout of a major depression.

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In , he earned a degree in medicine. He spent the next two years in Germany and France to recuperate from health woes, including depression, back pain, and sight problems. It was during this period that he became interested in psychology. James became a staff at Harvard University in as a physiology instructor. Throughout his teaching career at the university, he also served as a professor of philosophy and a professor of psychology.