PERRY SPEAKS ON LIBERALISM IDEAS

William James's two fundamental beliefs pertaining to liberalism were the doctrines of heroic activism and the satisfaction of demand, according to Ralph Barton Perry, Edgar Pierce Professor of Philosophy, speaking this week at the fifth of a series of seven discussions entitled "Liberalism in A World At War." Perry explained to the audience that his views were parallel to those of the famous American psychologist and philosopher, and therefore, the statements he made during the meeting could be taken as the expressed beliefs of William James.

"The full qualities of nature are only revealed in effort," Perry declared. "When seeking to obtain some goal despite obstacles and inertia, with confidence in success but with a chance of failure, that is the situation when one feels his best, and this is human life at its best."

He expounded James's second theory as "any demand, no matter how weak it may be, ought to be satisfied," Quoting from James, he said, "The only possible reason for any phenomenon to exist is that such a phenomenon is declared." This can't always be done in real life, Perry remarked, by liberalism ties up with this theory in that the greatest number of these demands should be satisfied.

Tuesday evening Dean Holmes of the School of Education is to speak on the aspects of liberalism in the educational system of our country. The meeting, open to all connected with the University and their guests, will take place as usual in the Lowell House Junior Common Room at 7:15 o'clock.