The Meaning of Truth
The Meaning of Truth, published in 1909, is William James's sequel to Pragmatism, written to answer the critics of his theory of truth. James restates his view that truth is not a static copy of reality but a relation that happens to an idea, made true by the way it leads us through experience and by its verification. The book gathers essays written over many years, beginning with "The Function of Cognition" of 1885, and includes replies to the British and American philosophers who had attacked pragmatism, a discussion of humanism, and a long chapter correcting what James calls the misunderstandings of pragmatism. The tone is patient, witty and combative. The full text is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first chapter is free.
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Frequently asked questions about The Meaning of Truth
The Meaning of Truth by William James can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
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Yes. The Meaning of Truth opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
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The first chapter of The Meaning of Truth is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is The Meaning of Truth in the public domain?
Yes. The Meaning of Truth by William James is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read The Meaning of Truth?
About 3 h 50 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is The Meaning of Truth?
The Meaning of Truth by William James is filed under "Philosophy" in the Vinteuil library.
