NYC Philosophy and Psychology Readers Community Φ Ψ

A profoundly influential figure in American psychology, William James (1842–1910) was also a philosopher of note, who used Charles S. Peirce's theories of pragmatism as a basis for his own conception of that influential philosophy. For James, this meant an emphasis on "radical empiricism" and the concept that the meaning of any idea — philosophical, political, social, or otherwise — has validity only in terms of its experiential and practical consequences. James propounded his theories of pragmatism in this book, one of the most important in American philosophy.

Join us to discuss this classic book over the course of 4-weeks!
Week 1 Sat 10/25 12:30pm-2:30pm The Seahorse Room @ Pier 57
Week 2 Sat 11/1 12:30pm-2:30pm The Oyster Room @ Pier 57
Week 3 Sat 11/8 12:30pm-2:30pm The Seahorse Room @ Pier 57
Week 4 Sat 11/15 12:30pm-2:30pm The Oyster Room @ Pier 57

Reading for Week 3
Lectures 5 & 6 (31pages)

William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar is not just a story about a man’s rise and fall — it’s a timeless drama of power, loyalty, and betrayal. When honor clashes with friendship and freedom wrestles with control, the question becomes: What makes a hero — and what makes a traitor?

In this gripping tragedy, Shakespeare brings history to life, showing how the choices of a few men could shake an empire — and how words, more than swords, can change the fate of nations.

We will split this play into 2 parts
Part 1: Nov. 12th Act 1 scene 1 - Act 2 scene 4 (to the end)
Part 2: Nov 25th Act 3 scene 1 - Act 5 scene 5

What is the proper role for faith with respect to our beliefs? If explanation must begin somewhere, and where our explanation begins we cannot provide further justification, then why not just take a leap of faith towards the values we want to believe in without the tower of reasons bottoming out on some hinge beliefs which must be taken on faith anyway? In Fear and Trembling, Soren Kierkegaard explores the concept of the Knight of Faith who has the courage to take a blind leap of faith across a chasm in order to commit to beliefs. He uses the story of Abraham being asked to sacrifice his son Isaac by God, as well as alternative versions of the story creatively provided by Kierkegaard, in order to explore these difficult questions. Join us as we immerse ourselves in this thought experiment for two weeks, thoroughly discussing the concept of faith and what role it should play in our lives.