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Philosophy Talk

William James

"America's philosopher" was born January 11, 1842.

William James is one of the great American philosophers, historically important as a philosopher (pragmatism and radical empiricism), a student of religion (author of the monumental Varieties of Religious Experience), and psychology. In this vintage episode, John and Ken examine the life and ideas of this towering figure with Russell Goodman from the University of New Mexico, author of American Philosophy Before Pragmatism. Sunday, January 11 at 11 am.

Devon Strolovitch studied medieval Judeo-Portuguese manuscripts and earned a PhD in Linguistics from Cornell University before coming to KALW. He is the Senior Producer of Philosophy Talk, and since 2007 has hosted Fog City Blues, the weekly digest of Blues in the Bay Area and beyond.