In This Reading James Sets Forth His View of Truth

question 14

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 the pragmatic method is a way to settle metaphysical disputes.

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Definitions:

Conflict Theorists

Scholars who view social life as a competition, and focus on the distribution of resources, power, and inequality.

Educational Benefits

The advantages gained from receiving formal schooling, including knowledge acquisition, improved job prospects, and personal development.

Educational Resources

Materials, tools, or services used to support learning and enhance education.