Pragmatism: A Guide For The Perplexed

A student's guide to the historical context, key thinkers and central themes of pragmatism, a concept central to American philosophy.

The recent revival of interest in pragmatism has reintroduced into mainstream philosophy the insights and arguments of great American philosophers such as C.S. Peirce, William James and John Dewey. But it has also led to the use of the term 'pragmatism' in a huge variety of contexts, such that students and readers can find this fascinating subject confusing. Pragmatism: A Guide for the Perplexed seeks to dispel some of the ambiguity surrounding the term 'pragmatism'.

The book offers a clear and thorough account of this key philosophical movement. Thematically structured, it lays out the historical development and surveys the key thinkers. Crucially, it concentrates on the ways in which pragmatists, both contemporary and historical, have attempted to address some of the most important problems in philosophy. Geared towards the specific requirements of students who need to reach a sound understanding of pragmatism, the book serves as an ideal companion to study of this most important and influential of movements.

Table Of Contents

1. Introduction: The Origins of Pragmatism
2. Pragmatism and Epistemology
3. Pragmatism and Truth
4. Pragmatism and Metaphysics
5. Pragmatism and Ethics
6. Pragmatism and Politics

7. Pragmatism and Environmental Ethics

   Robert B. Talisse is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University, USA. His previous publications include Democracy After Liberalism (Routledge, 2005) and A Pragmatist Philosophy of Democracy (Routledge, 2007).

   Scott F. Aikin is Lecturer in Philosophy at Vanderbilt University, USA.