Korissa+H.+-+PA+-+FA11

William James was a psychologist and philosopher. He also wrote about his discoveries and opinions on certain topics. A few of his writings include //The Principles of Psychology,// //The Philippine Tangle,// and //Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking.// He campaigned against the annexation of the Philippines. As a member of the Anti-Imperialist League he published //The Principles of Psychology// which explained many of his beliefs on the entire ordeal. William James wrote many pieces explaining his strong opposition to the annexaiton of the Philippines but by far this piece stands out amongst others. He goes into great detail about how the Americans were wrong for forcing the Filipinos to hand over their territory into U.S. arms. In his opinion the Americans were acting as hypocrites because in previous years they were sympathizing for countries in the same predicament. He claimed that American people were looking more like pirates day by day, because of their harsh treatment towards the Filipinos. He asked his fellow Americans to think about the severity of this idea, and said they should all be ashamed by how their government is acting. By writing this and publishing it in the Boston Evening Transcript, William James spreads the word and pushes for American support. This letter definitely would have influenced many at this time due to its truthful accusations and the strength of national government. Coming from a well educated philosopher these words would have been greatly admired and considered. -William James based many of his beliefs on the ideas of psychology and philosophy, allowing him to consider all of the pros and cons of an issue. He clearly saw the cons were going against moral beliefs. He was a pragmatist and therefore believed that one should link practice and theory to an issue. - He claimed religion would allow people to understand that the situation in the Philippines were horrible and should be ended immediately. - He felt his own "sense of duty" to spread the word against the Administration. - He said the Philippines should learn to govern themselves and be given the chance before America take the matter into their hands.
 * Occupation:**
 * Position: (Anti-Imperialist)**
 * Reason for Interest:**

"William James." //PBS: Public Broadcasting Service//. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Nov. 2011. .
 * Work Cited:**

James, William. "The Philippine Tangle." 1 Mar: 1899. 2.

Koopman, Colin, and McMaster University. "William James's Politics of Personal Freedom." //Society for the Advancement of American Philosophy//. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Nov. 2011. .