William James

William James

The Three Main Principles

Pluralism:

His experiences in different faiths led him to conclude that they were similar. Those having experiences may be experiencing the same ultimate reality i.e. a Christian may see it as the presence of the Holy Spirit and a Hindu may see it differently.

Pragmatism:

He believed that the truth was not fixed and what is true is whatever has great value for us. Therefore, on observing the effects of religious experience, we have to conclude that there is truth to be found in religion.

Empiricism:

His case studies are empirical evidence of the effects of religious experience…