Pragmatism · Chapter
Lecture III: Some Metaphysical Problems Pragmatically Considered explained
James applies the pragmatic method to metaphysical problems, particularly the debate between materialism and spiritualism (theism).
What happens
James applies the pragmatic method to metaphysical problems, particularly the debate between materialism and spiritualism (theism). He argues that when considered retrospectively (with no future), both theories are equivalent, but prospectively they lead to vastly different outlooks: materialism promises eventual cosmic death and tragedy, while theism offers hope and purpose. He also examines the concept of substance, using the Eucharist as a pragmatic example, and discusses Berkeley's critique of material substance.
Themes in this chapter
Pragmatic Method
James demonstrates the pragmatic method by applying it to the substance problem and the materialism vs. theism debate, showing that the meaning of concepts lies in their practical consequences.
Pluralism and Meliorism
The chapter emphasizes the unfinished, future-oriented nature of the world, where the choice between materialism and theism has real practical stakes for hope and improvement.
Characters to notice
- Herbert Spencer
Cited for arguing that matter is infinitely refined and that both 'matter' and 'spirit' are symbols of an unknowable reality; also criticized for ignoring the practical future consequences of materialism.
- George Berkeley
Mentioned for his critique of material substance, which James notes corroborated rather than denied the external world.
- Pragmatism
The pragmatic method is applied to the substance problem and the materialism vs. theism debate, showing that concepts must be judged by their practical consequences.
Key passages
“What do we mean by matter? What practical difference can it make now that the world should be run by matter or by spirit?”
James asks what tangible difference it makes whether we believe the world is governed by matter or by spirit, applying the pragmatic test.
This is the core pragmatic question applied to the metaphysical debate.
“The pragmatist must consequently say that the two theories, in spite of their different-sounding names, mean exactly the same thing, and that the dispute is purely verbal.”
If the world is already complete, materialism and theism have identical practical consequences, so the disagreement is merely about words.
Highlights the retrospective equivalence of the two theories under pragmatism.
“But philosophy is prospective also, and, after finding what the world has been and done and yielded, still asks the further question 'what does the world promise?'”
Philosophy must look forward, not just backward, asking what the future holds.
Emphasizes the forward-looking, practical orientation of pragmatism.
“The substance-notion breaks into life, then, with tremendous effect, if once you allow that substances can separate from their accidents, and exchange these latter.”
The concept of substance becomes pragmatically important in the Eucharist, where the substance changes while the accidents remain the same.
Illustrates a rare pragmatic application of the substance idea.