In May 1908 William James, a gifted and popular lecturer, delivered a series of eight Hibbert Lectures at Manchester College, Oxford, on "The Present Situation in Philosophy." These were published in 1909 as "A Pluralistic Universe."

In "A Pluralistic Universe" James captures a new philosophic vision, at once intimate and realistic. He shares with his readers a view of the universe that is fresh, active, and novel. He defends the mystical and anti-pragmatic view that concepts distort rather than reveal reality.
The message conveyed is as relevant today as it was in his time.