James was also known for contributing to functionalism, one of the earliest schools of thought in psychology.
His bookThe Principles of Psychologyis considered one of the most classic and influential texts in psychology’s history.
William James' Early Life
William James was born into an affluent family.
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His father was deeply interested in philosophy and theology and strove to provide his children with an enriched education.
Their sister, Alice James, was a noted diarist.
Early in school, William James expressed an interest in becoming a painter.
Only after William persisted in his interest did Henry permit his son to formally study painting.
This period played an important role in shifting his interest in psychology and philosophy.
Writing and Experimental Work
James also founded one of thefirst psychology laboratoriesin the United States.
Two years later, James published a condensed version of the work titledPsychology: The Briefer Course.
Pragmatism
James wrote extensively on the concept of pragmatism.
Some of James' students includedMary Whiton Calkins,Edward Thorndike, andG.
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