Sigmund Freud and William James

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how on the topic of religion and the psychological undertones of such related experiences, Sigmund Freud and William James could not have had more differing opinions. It explores the theories of these great thinkers not with the intention of proving one correct and the other false, but so as to gain an appreciation and understanding of the ideas put forth by each man.

From the Paper:

"The religious experiences which James studied, although often difficult for the subject to put into words, provided them with insight into the truth of reality and created a feeling of connection with divine. Although fleeting, these experiences often had profound effects on people and could convert atheists into believers. Generally, however, results were less extreme but still notable. Most people reported experiencing a lingering feeling of joy and freedom, as well as being more loving and harmonious. Overall, there was a shedding of the more negative character traits and a subsequent adoption of more positive ones."

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