Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation will be to examine the finite God theories of William James and Edgar Sheffield Brightman in an effort to discover the basic philosophical roots of these positions. The theisms we are studying diverge radically from the more orthodox conception of God as an infinite Being. Our study will attempt to throw light upon the basis of this divergence. In the process of accomplishing this task, the similar nature of the philosophical roots of the positions of James and Brightman will likewise be clarified.