Varieties of Cognitive Experience: James’ Acts of Inclusion in the Principles

Varieties of Cognitive Experience: James’ Acts of Inclusion in the Principles

This presentation argues the following:

First, an appreciation of, and attention to, neurodiversity in James’ *Principles of Psychology* is consistent with is pluralism and pragmatism, and might have contributed to the development of these positions.

Second, this is best seen in James’ defense of the use of non-verbal signs in cognition, as well as his appeal to the experiences of deaf people to answer the question of whether thought is possible without language.

Third, James’ use of Ballard’s narrative, and his defense of Ballard’s epistemic authority, offers a model of epistemic justice inclusive of disabled peoples in contrast to the prevailing trends of the late nineteenth century.

Finally, I suggest that we pragmatists follow and improve upon James’ example, and do even more to include the perspectives of disabled people in our historical and contemporary research and activism.