Pragmatism

Definition

The “philosophical movement that includes those who claim that an ideology or proposition is true if it works satisfactorily, that the meaning of a proposition is to be found in the practical consequences of accepting it, and that unpractical ideas are to be rejected.” (McDermid) Its origins are traced back to the late 19th century with James’ work cited as the foundation document, but he has stated “that the term had been coined almost three decades earlier by his compatriot and friend C. S. Peirce.” (McDermid) The founding triad of Classical Pragmatism is given to James, Peirce, and Dewey. Other less cited founders are Mead and Tufts.

References & Further Reading

Capps, John. “The Pragmatic Theory of Truth” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (2023)

Legg & Hookway. “Pragmatism” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (2021)

McDermid, Douglas. “Pragmatism” Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy

Aikin & Talisse. “Pragmatism: A Guide for the Perplexed” Continuum (2008)

Misak, Cheryl. “The American Pragmatists” Oxford University Press (2015)

Hickman & Alexander. “The Essential Dewey, Volume 1: Pragmatism, Education, Democracy” Indiana University Press (1998)

—- “The Essential Dewey, Volume 2: Ethics, Logic, Psychology” Indiana University Press (2009)

Houser & Kloesel. “The Essential Peirce, Volume 1: Selected Philosophical Writings (1867–1893)” Indiana University Press (1992)

Peirce Edition Project. “The Essential Peirce, Volume 2: Selected Philosophical Writings (1893-1913)” Indiana University Press (1998)

McDermott, John. “The Writings of William James: A Comprehensive Edition” University of Chicago Press (1978)

—-- “The Philosophy of John Dewey” University of Chicago Press (1981)

Myers, Gerald. “William James: Writings 1878–1899” Library of America (1992)

Kuklick, Bruce. “William James: Writings 1902-1910” Library of America (1988)