Metaphysical Investigations

In this paper, we investigate the relation between Will and Knowledge especially the effect of the will on knowledge in its Western philosophical tradition. A short record of the issue from the ancient to the present time is offered and William James, a twentieth century American philosopher, is introduced as the criterion in this field. Therefore, the history of the issue is divided to three periods: “Before James”, “James”, and “After James”. The role of Nietzsche and Schopenhauer are narrated as two key philosophers in the first period and it is explained why they are not widely welcomed in this regard in the world of philosophy. Later, we examine the general lines of James’ theory especially his “The Will to Believe”. In this part, we show that some of James assumptions are not acceptable, although, his theory in general is defendable. Finally, we look at Quine’s thought as the philosopher who spread James’ teachings recently among the philosophers. We show that Quine’s naturalism, universalism, and even his naturalized epistemology have been influenced by James. At the end of this paper, the influential contemporary philosophers in this field are introduced.