The Demons of William James

Religious Pragmatism Explores Unusual Mental States
1. Auflage 2018
ISBN: 978-3-319-91622-4
Verlag: Springer International Publishing

Buch, Englisch, 169 Seiten, Format (B × H): 153 mm x 216 mm, Gewicht: 353 g

This book is a psychological exploration of unusual minds, a religious exploration of demonological myth, and a philosophical exploration of the reaches of pragmatism. It uses topics such as hypnotism, mediumship, and mass possession to argue for a comprehensive understanding of the demonic that acknowledges not only the creativity which it encourages, but also the danger it can bring. Professor Ruetenik uses James’ religious pragmatism to evaluate the relevance of psychical research, and to explain common beliefs regarding demons, spirits, and other controlling personalities.

The conclusion of this interdisciplinary research is as alarming as it is fascinating: When exploring the demons of William James, we discover that ordinary personality cannot be clearly separated from what we consider the demonic.

Zielgruppe

Research

Autoren/Hrsg.

Ruetenik, Tadd

Fachgebiete

• Sozialwissenschaften Psychologie Psychologische Disziplinen Religionspsychologie
• Geisteswissenschaften Religionswissenschaft Religionswissenschaft Allgemein Religionssoziologie und -psychologie, Spiritualität, Mystik
• Geisteswissenschaften Philosophie Moderne Philosophische Disziplinen Pragmatismus

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. James Family Vastation.- 2. Pragmatism and Demonology: Circumscription of the Topic.- 3. Piper, Salem, and the Communal Demonic.- 4. Contemporary Mediums and the Return of William James.- 5. The Varieties of Demonic Experience: A Study in Quasi-Human Nature.- 6. Embraced by the Demon: The Perils of Immediate Experience.- 7. The “Cruel” Death of William James.

Über Autor(innen)

Tadd Ruetenik is Professor of Philosophy at St. Ambrose University, USA.