How did William James's pragmatism differ from Charles Sanders Peirce's pragmatism?

William James and Charles Sanders Peirce, the foundational figures of pragmatism, differed significantly in their focus and methodology.

Peirce’s pragmatism was primarily a logical theory of meaning and inquiry rooted in scientific practice. He utilized the pragmatic maxim to clarify concepts by identifying the conditional, experimental consequences of a proposition. For Peirce, truth is the result of continuous scientific inquiry by a community of investigators over the "infinite long run".12

In contrast, James adopted a psychological and moral approach. While Peirce examined meaning in general, James focused on how ideas and beliefs contribute to human experience and satisfy practical needs. James viewed truth as a species of value, famously arguing that a belief may be considered true if it proves "good in the way of belief" and provides psychological or moral benefits, particularly when evidence is inconclusive. Ultimately, while Peirce sought to resolve conceptual confusion through logical analysis, James emphasized the adaptive, purposive role of thought in helping individuals navigate their surroundings and fulfill their interests.32