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Pragmatism Books
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William James
Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking
"Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking" by William James is a philosophical treatise written in the early 20th century. The work aims to explore the pragmatic movement in philosophy, which seeks to reconcile empirical evidence with the broader existential concerns of human life and belief systems. It addresses the dichotomy between rationalist and empiricist thought, suggesting that pragmatism can mediate these two approaches by framing philosophical issues within the context of practical consequences and human experience. The opening portion of the book includes a preface explaining the context of the lectures delivered by James, highlighting his intent to present a collective understanding of pragmatism while avoiding overly technical language. He establishes the significance of philosophy in shaping individual perspectives on existence, expressing a belief in the intrinsic human drive to find coherence between facts and ideals. As he begins to unfold the first lecture, James outlines the prevailing philosophical dilemma of his time, focusing on the tension between the tender-minded (rationalists) and tough-minded (empiricists) individuals. He contemplates the divide between those who value abstract principles and those who prioritize concrete facts, setting the stage for his exploration of pragmatism as a framework that could unify these contrasting approaches to understanding reality.
William James
The Meaning of Truth
"The Meaning of Truth" by William James is a philosophical work written during the early 20th century, serving as a sequel to his earlier work "Pragmatism." The book explores the concept of truth through the lens of pragmatism, investigating how beliefs correspond to reality and the practical implications that arise from this relationship. The author engages with criticisms of his pragmatic approach and delves into the philosophical debate surrounding the nature of truth, emphasizing its function in relation to human experience. The opening of this work begins with a preface that sets the stage for the discussion about truth, emphasizing its dynamic nature as something that "happens" to ideas and is validated through experience. James outlines the pragmatic view that true ideas are those that can be assimilated and verified in real-life contexts, contrasting this with traditional views that focus solely on the abstract properties of truth. He addresses critiques from other philosophers and discusses the importance of radical empiricism in understanding how cognition and reality are interrelated. In lively and engaging prose, James establishes a foundation that invites readers to consider the implications of pragmatism on their understanding of truth, laying out the groundwork for the chapters that follow.
Charles S. (Charles Sanders) Peirce
Chance, Love, and Logic: Philosophical Essays
"Chance, Love, and Logic: Philosophical Essays" by Charles S. Peirce is a collection of philosophical essays written in the early 20th century. This work encompasses Peirce's thoughts on logic, science, and the intersection of chance and human experience, presenting a comprehensive view of his philosophical contributions that laid the groundwork for pragmatism. The essays delve into the nature of inquiry, belief, and the foundations of knowledge, highlighting the interconnectedness of chance and the role of love in understanding reality. The opening of this collection outlines Peirce's philosophical approach, emphasizing the importance of clear reasoning and the processes by which beliefs are formed and fixed. He critiques traditional methods of inquiry, such as reliance on authority or simple tenacity, advocating instead for a scientific approach that allows for the reconstruction of beliefs based on evidence and logical reasoning. Throughout this introduction, Peirce establishes the framework for examining how beliefs are maintained within a community, the role of inquiry in human cognition, and the necessity of a methodical approach to philosophy that embraces both uncertainty and the evolution of thought.
William James
Essays in Radical Empiricism
"Essays in Radical Empiricism" by William James is a collection of philosophical essays published posthumously in 1912. Assembled by colleague Ralph Barton Perry from journal articles James wrote between 1904-1905, the work explores James's radical empiricism philosophy. Because James never finalized the collection himself, and Perry modified the original selection, the essays don't form a systematic exposition. This circumstance, combined with James's evolving philosophical views, has led to widely varying interpretations and debates about radical empiricism's true meaning and significance.
John Dewey
Creative Intelligence: Essays in the Pragmatic Attitude
"Creative Intelligence: Essays in the Pragmatic Attitude" by John Dewey et al. is a collection of philosophical essays written in the early 20th century. The work seeks to explore the concept of creative intelligence from a pragmatic perspective, addressing its application across various fields such as philosophy, logic, psychology, and ethics. The essays aim to encourage a re-evaluation of traditional philosophical problems, emphasizing a more dynamic understanding of intelligence and experience. The opening of the book begins with a prefatory note that sets the tone for the essays to follow, explaining the intent to promote an intellectual collaboration rather than adherence to a single set of beliefs. John Dewey’s introduction discusses the stagnation of philosophical thought due to its traditional ties and calls for a necessary recovery of philosophy that responds to contemporary issues. He emphasizes the need for philosophy to engage directly with the evolving complexities of modern life, arguing that philosophers must reevaluate longstanding problems in light of new scientific and social developments to remain relevant and beneficial to human experience.
Denton Loring Geyer
The pragmatic theory of truth as developed by Peirce, James, and Dewey
"The Pragmatic Theory of Truth as Developed by Peirce, James, and Dewey" by Denton Loring Geyer is a philosophical thesis written in the early 20th century. This work examines the development of the pragmatic theory of truth as articulated by three prominent American philosophers: Charles Sanders Peirce, William James, and John Dewey. Through this discussion, Geyer traces how each philosopher contributed to the evolving understanding of pragmatism, particularly in relation to truth, belief, and knowledge. The opening of this thesis lays out the purpose and structure of Geyer’s argument, beginning with an examination of Peirce's original notion of pragmatism and its relationship to the meaning of truth. Geyer critiques how Peirce's ideas were interpreted and potentially distorted by some of his followers, notably James and Schiller. He indicates that those interpretations did not fully capture the complexities of Peirce's arguments, leading to significant debates within pragmatic philosophy. The text emphasizes the importance of understanding the specific contributions of each thinker, setting the stage for a detailed analysis of pragmatism’s relationship to concepts of reality and truth as influenced by empirical investigation and individual interpretation.
William Caldwell
Pragmatism and idealism
"Pragmatism and Idealism" by William Caldwell is a philosophical examination written in the early 20th century. The work explores the intricacies of Pragmatism, its connections to Idealism, and the broader philosophical discourse of the time. Caldwell delves into the development of Pragmatism, discussing its implications for human thought and society, and critiques the limitations of Rationalism. The opening portion of the book introduces Pragmatism, outlining its historical backdrop and how it has gained prominence in philosophical circles. Caldwell discusses the foundational ideas that Pragmatism hinges on, such as the view that truth is subjective and shaped by human experience and practicality, contrasting it with Rationalism. He highlights key figures in the Pragmatist movement, including William James and John Dewey, and asserts that while Pragmatism emphasizes human action and utility, it also grapples with criticisms and challenges it faces in establishing a coherent philosophical account. The author sets the stage for a deeper analysis of Pragmatism's interplay with other philosophical doctrines, particularly within the context of modern societal issues.
John Dewey
The Influence of Darwin on Philosophy, and other essays in contemporary thought
"The Influence of Darwin on Philosophy, and Other Essays in Contemporary Thought" by John Dewey is a collection of philosophical essays written in the early 20th century. This work explores the impact of Darwinian ideas on contemporary philosophy and intellectual thought, exposing the shifts in perspectives regarding knowledge, morality, and the essential characteristics of human experience. Dewey's essays aim to illustrate how these evolutionary concepts challenge traditional notions of fixed truths and stable moral values. At the start of the collection, Dewey presents a preface discussing the transformative influence of Darwin's "Origin of Species" on philosophy and the sciences. He emphasizes that Darwin's work initiated a vigorous intellectual revolt against long-held beliefs in fixed forms and absolute truths, inviting a new mode of thinking that acknowledges change and evolution as inherent to knowledge and moral considerations. This opening portion lays the groundwork for understanding the interconnectedness of various philosophical movements and highlights the necessity for philosophy to adapt in light of modern scientific inquiries.
D. L. (David Leslie) Murray
Pragmatism
"Pragmatism" by D. L. Murray is a philosophical treatise written in the early 20th century, exploring the principles of Pragmatism—a school of thought that emphasizes the practical implications and applications of ideas as a measure of their truth. The work delves into the philosophical questions surrounding knowledge, truth, and the relevance of thought in relation to human experience. In this book, Murray offers a critical evaluation of traditional philosophical approaches, such as formal logic and absolute truth, while advocating for a pragmatic understanding of knowledge that recognizes the influence of human experience and will. He addresses key dilemmas presented by dogmatism and the historical progression of philosophy, arguing against the limitations of intellectualism. The text is structured to guide readers through the evolution of Pragmatism, discussing its origins, key figures like William James, and practical applications in various fields such as science and religion, ultimately concluding that truth must be versatile and contextually grounded in human purposes and actions.
Eleanor F. (Eleanor Frances) Jourdain
On the theory of the infinite in modern thought : $b Two introductory studies
"On the Theory of the Infinite in Modern Thought: Two Introductory Studies" by E. F. Jourdain is a scholarly examination of the interplay between mathematics and philosophy, specifically focusing on conceptions of the finite and the infinite. Written in the early 20th century, this book navigates complex philosophical and mathematical ideas and highlights how developments in one field influence the other. The text delves into significant themes such as the historical evolution of these concepts, their implications for metaphysics and ethics, and the relationships between mathematical theory and philosophical inquiry. The book comprises two studies that articulate the relationship between the finite and the infinite from both philosophical and mathematical perspectives. In the first study, Jourdain explores how different historical periods have perceived and understood the ideas of finitude and infinity, tracing their development from ancient Greece through to modern mathematical advancements, including Cantor's work on transfinite numbers. The second study addresses pragmatism and a theory of knowledge, discussing how knowledge evolves through human interaction with the environment and integrating mathematical logic into philosophical thought. Overall, Jourdain presents a nuanced discussion that underscores the need for a philosophical approach informed by mathematical principles, arguing that both fields must collaborate to enrich understanding of reality.
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