Abstract
The relationship between William James and Ludwig
Wittgenstein (1889-1951) has recently been the
subject of intense scholarly research. We know for
instance that the later Wittgenstein's reflections on the
philosophy of psychology found in James a major
source of inspiration. Not surprisingly therefore, the
pragmatist nature of the philosophy of the later Wittgenstein
is increasingly acknowledged, in spite of Wittgenstein’s
adamant refusal of being labeled a
“pragmatist”. In this brief paper I merely want to piece
together some of the available evidence of Wittgenstein’s
high regard for William James, not only for his
thoughts, but even more so for his character.