Preludes to Pragmatism: Toward a Reconstruction of Philosophy

by Philip Kitcher

Overview

In these essays, distinguished philosopher Philip Kitcher argues for a reconstruction of philosophy along the lines of classical Pragmatism

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199986798
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	11/01/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Philip Kitcher is a John Dewey Professor of Philosophy at Columbia University.

Table of Contents

1. The Importance of Dewey for Philosophy (and much else besides)
2. The Naturalists Return
3. Real Realism: The Galilean Strategy
4. On the Explanatory Role of Correspondence Truth.
5. Pragmatism and Realism: A Modest Proposal
6. Does 'Race' Have a Future?
7. Mathematical Truth?
8. Carnap and the Caterpillar
9. Philosophy Inside Out
10. A Pragmatist's Progress: The Varieties of James' Strategies for Defending Religion
11. Challenges for Secularism
12. Militant Modern Atheism
13. Naturalistic Ethics without Fallacies
14. The Hall of Mirrors
15. Education, Capitalism, and Democracy
16. Public Knowledge and its Discontents
17. Varieties of Altruism

Editorial Reviews

"Preludes to Pragmatism is an important and rewarding book."—Christopher Hookway, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews

"In this lively and lucid collection of essays, Philip Kitcher—one of America's leading philosophers—seeks to further the reform of philosophy inspired by the pragmatic tradition of James and Dewey. Critical of the current state of Anglophone philosophy, he develops a pragmatic naturalism that deals with some of the most pressing cultural issues of our time-including the meaning of value in contemporary society and the reconciliation of science and religion. Anyone interested in the creative potential of pragmatism for the reconstruction of philosophy today will find this insightful book invaluable."—Richard J. Bernstein, Vera List Professor of Philosophy, New School for Social Research

"In articles ranging from metaphysics and philosophy of mathematics to ethics and the philosophy of religion, Preludes to Pragmatism develops and makes a powerful case for pragmatic naturalism. By drawing on, extending, and emending ideas drawn from the classical pragmatists, Philip Kitcher argues that no appeal to transcendent, non-natural entities is required to underwrite our deepest theoretical commitments, or rationalize our practices."—Catherine Z. Elgin, Harvard University

"Philip Kitcher's Preludes to Pragmatism offers a radical 'reconstruction of philosophy' which aims to renew the projects of William James and John Dewey. Advocating a form of 'pragmatic naturalism,' Kitcher's aim is not simply to use pragmatist ideas as material for a more sophisticated reformed 'normal philosophy.' Rather than using pragmatist ideas to provide better solutions to familiar problems, he follows Dewey in seeking to 'liberate philosophy' from familiar questions that can now be transcended. Whether discussing atheism or secularism, race or altruism, he meets familiar views with pragmatist challenges that can change the philosophical terrain. In doing so, he contributes to the truth of his claim that pragmatism is one of the most significant developments in the history of philosophy."—Christopher Hookway, University of Sheffield

From the Publisher