William James on Mystical Experience

Some Christians claim to sense Jesus’ presence; some Hindus feel “one” with what they view as the permanent core of reality (i.e., Brahman); some “spiritual but not religious” people experience ecstatically losing themselves in the vast expanse of the universe. These are all examples of mystical experiences. But what defines a mystical experience? In his landmark study The Varieties of Religious Experience (1902) William James (1842-1910) attempts to define the common features shared by all mystical experiences, and address whether such experiences justify beliefs based on them. James is considered the first philosopher of mysticism. This essay introduces James’ views on mystical experience.