Ever Not Quite
Pluralism(s) in William James and Contemporary Psychology

Examines ideas of pluralism in William James's writings and contemporary psychology.

Saulo de Freitas Araujo (Author), Lisa M. Osbeck (Author)

9781108845021, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 29 June 2023

300 pages
23.5 x 15.8 x 1.6 cm, 0.42 kg

'Saulo Araujo and Lisa Osbeck have written a scholarly masterpiece that takes the pluralistic bull by its historical, disciplinary, and conceptual-analytic horns, shedding much-needed light on a much-used concept.  In demonstrating how various contemporary positions on pluralism reflect and depart from James's views, the authors open 'new paths for encouraging psychologists to reflect on James's pluralistic philosophy.' Ever Not Quite is sure to inspire new ways to tackle psychology's age-old problems – be they metatheoretical, theoretical, methodological, or practical. I predict it will become a classic in our time and beyond.' Barbara S. Held, Bowdoin College, USA

William James made many references to pluralism throughout his career. Interestingly, many contemporary psychologists also discuss pluralism and indeed call for pluralism as a corrective to the discipline's philosophical and methodological foundations. Yet, pluralism and the purposes to which it is applied are understood in a variety of ways, and the relation of contemporary pluralism to the pluralism(s) of William James is uncertain. This book offers conceptual clarification in both contexts, first distinguishing diverse senses of pluralism in psychology and then systematically examining different forms of pluralism across the writings of James. A comparison of meanings and analysis of implications follows, aimed at illuminating what is at stake in ongoing calls for pluralism in psychology.

1. The problem of pluralism(s)
2. Pluralism(s) in contemporary psychology
3. 'Pluralism' and related terms in the broader context of James's life and writing
4. A systematic analysis of James's pluralism(s)
5. Implications of pluralism for contemporary psychology
6. Concluding remarks.

Subject Areas: Psychology [JM]