The opening chapter of William James' "Pragmatism" is called "The Present Dilemma in Philosophy." In place of philosophy read neurology, and the title of this president's address is revealed. The minor differences between James' chapter and mine will be found in the fact that I propose to devote just twenty minutes to the presentation of the dilemma in neurology. The major difference I shall refrain from mentioning, because I want to feel for a few moments, at least, worthy of the honor you have conferred on me.
It is far from my purpose to suggest a pragmatic solution, however, but rather do I want to certify to the existence of a dilemma and then to ask you to note that its partial solution can be found in the present program which my paper so feebly initiates.
Dilemmas exist only when attention is directed to them or when something happens which