The Healing Power of Philosophy in William James' Life

Year 2025, Volume: 10 Issue: 1, 127 - 129, 01.02.2025

Nuran E. Korkmaz

https://doi.org/10.37898/spiritualpc.1561638

Abstract

This study depicts, in John Kaag's gripping style, how William James approached philosophy as a therapeutic tool during some difficult periods of his life. While this study includes the basic philosophical views and thoughts of William James, it is possible to follow how philosophy can bring meaning and peace to human life through William James' s unique life experience. In this pursuit, one may even realize that philosophy has a function that can create meaning for itself. In short, this book gives the message that philosophy can be a wisely chosen element, as it contributes to the process of finding meaning, especially in difficult living conditions. This work is an important work for many readers from fields such as philosophy, psychology, counseling and even psychiatry, as it shows how we can benefit from philosophy both in academic and daily life.

Keywords

William James; Philosophy, Existential Pain, Depression, Self, Healing

References

• Ebbinghaus, H. (1908). Psychology: An elementary text-book. (M. Meyer, Trans.). D. C. Heath & Co. Publishers. https://doi.org/10.1037/13638-000
• Hadot, P., & Davidson, A. I. (1995). Philosophy as a way of life. Blackwell.
• James, W. (1895). Is life worth living? Ethics, 6 (1), 1. https://doi.org/10.1086/205378
• Kaag, J. (2020). Sick souls, healthy minds: How William James can save your life. Princeton University.