Louisville Process Theology Network

Philosophy and Temperament

Oct 05, 2007

In his most famous book, Pragmatism, William James writes that the history of Philosophy can viewed as "a clash of temperaments."

Philosophers labor hard to maintain their objectivity, James adds. But, he thinks they'd do better to just admit to their temperaments and let others decide how their feelings affected their thinking.

James imagines there are endless varieties of temperaments in between these two poles.



Rationalist-------------------Empiricist
(Going by principles)--------(Going by facts)
Intellectual------------------Sensible
Idealistic--------------------Materialistic
Optimistic-------------------Pessimistic
Religious--------------------Irreligious
Free Will--------------------Fatalist
Monistic---------------------Pluralistic
Dogmatic--------------------Skeptical