In This Reading James Sets Forth His View of Truth

question 10

Multiple Choice

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."
-According to James, the pragmatic method is to interpret each notion by

• A) checking its correspondence with reality.
• B) examining its practical consequences.
• C) checking its coherence with other ideas.
• D) accepting it as true.

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Definitions:

Resigned Attitude

A psychological state where an individual accepts a situation or condition as inevitable, often with a sense of powerlessness.

Criticisms

The expression of disapproval based on perceived faults or mistakes, or the analysis and judgment of the merits and faults of a literary or artistic work.

Cultural Capital

The non-financial social assets that promote social mobility beyond economic means, including education, intellect, style of speech, and appearance.

Microsociology

The level of analysis that studies face-to-face and small-group interactions in order to understand how they affect the larger patterns and structures of society.