In This Reading James Sets Forth His View of Truth

question 8

True/False

In this reading James sets forth his view of truth. He holds that truth is dynamic rather than static and is to be defined in terms of beliefs that are useful or satisfying. Unlike the "intellectualists" (James's characterization of the traditional static approaches to the question of truth, i.e., the correspondence theorists), truth is in process-still becoming and changing. Yesterday's truth is today's falsehood, and today's truth is tomorrow's half-truth. What really matters is what you can do with an idea, what difference it makes to your life, its (in James's term) "cash-value."
-James says that the overwhelming majority of our ideas can be verified.

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Definitions:

Verbal Learning

A process of acquiring knowledge or skills through the use of language, involving memory and cognitive functions.

Evidence

The available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid.

Individual Differences

The variation or distinctiveness among people in regard to physical, psychological, and behavioral traits, which can affect their reactions, performances, and preferences in different contexts.

SES Household

Stands for Socioeconomic Status household, indicating a family or living situation characterized by social, economic, and educational dimensions.