The Varieties of Religious Experience: A Study in Human Nature

How does James use radical empiricism in The Varieties of Religious Experience? What are the strengths and weaknesses of this approach?

What are the pragmatic functions of religion in an individual’s life? How does the utility of religion relate to James’s theories about morbid-minded and healthy-minded individuals?

How does James’s work fit into contemporary discussions about religion and spirituality? How might contemporary religions fit into his theories?

James holds a pluralistic view of religious experience. Does his pluralistic approach add or detract from his philosophical arguments? How does it impact the longevity of his work?

Analyze James’s study as a work of qualitative research. How do the examples from historical records contribute to his argument? What methodology does he use to analyze these records?

What determines the legitimacy of a mystical or religious experience? How does James categorize authentic experiences? What is the wider significance of mysticism in illuminating the key themes or ideas of The Varieties of Religious Experience?

Why does James reject evaluations of the validity of religions? Is there room for a logical assessment of religious authenticity? Why or why not?

Analyze a major contemporary religious figure. How does the individual’s religious experience compare to the descriptions offered in James’s work? Does the functionality of the religious experience compare to the utilities James describes?