The Bloomsbury Handbook of Pragmatism

by Sami Pihlström (Editor)

Overview

Pragmatism provides not just a theoretical perspective on science and inquiry, but ways of being in the world, of knowing the reality we inhabit. Approaching this philosophical tradition as a diverse set of philosophies that it is, The Bloomsbury Handbook of Pragmatism introduces many of the ideas and debates at the centre of the field today.

Focusing on issues in different subject areas, this up-to-date handbook covers current research in aesthetics, economics, education, ethics, history, law, metaphysics, politics, race, religion, science and technology, language, and social theory. Supported by an introduction to research methods and problems, as well as a guide to past and future directions in the field, chapters are enhanced by a 'how to use' guide and glossary. Now expanded, this edition includes new chapters on pragmatism and various global and regional philosophical traditions, as well as feminism and environmental philosophy.

Showing where important work continues to be done, the tensions that exist, and, most valuably, the exciting new directions the field is taking, The Bloomsbury Handbook of Pragmatism advances our understanding of the role of pragmatism in 21st century philosophy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781350324046
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	03/19/2026
Series:	Bloomsbury Handbooks
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	472
Product dimensions:	6.65(w) x 9.61(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Sami Pihlström is Professor of Philosophy of Religion at the University of Helsinki, Finland. His recent books include Why Solipsism Matters (2020), Pragmatist Truth in the Post-Truth Age (2021), Toward a Pragmatist Philosophy of the Humanities (2022), Humanism, Antitheodicism, and the Critique of Meaning in Pragmatist Philosophy of Religion (2023), and the edited volume, The Bloomsbury Handbook of Pragmatism (2024).

Table of Contents

Contributors
Acknowledgments
How to Use This Book

Part I. Researching Pragmatism
1. Introduction Sami Pihlström (University of Helsinki, Finland)
2. Research Methods, Problems, and Resources Sami Pihlström (University of Helsinki, Finland)
3. A History of Pragmatism James Campbell (University of Toledo, USA)

Part II. Pragmatism and Theoretical Philosophy
4. Epistemology, Logic, and Inquiry John Capps (Rochester Institute of Technology, USA)
5. Metaphysics Sami Pihlström (University of Helsinki, Finland)
6. Science and Technology Larry Hickman (Southern Illinois University Carbondale, USA)

Part III. Pragmatism and Applied Philosophy
7. Aesthetics Armen T. Marsoobian (Southern Connecticut State University, USA)
8. Ethics Michael Eldridge (Late of The University of California at Charlotte, USA)
9. Social Theory Erkki Kilpinen (Late of University of Helsinki, Finland)
10. Politics Shane J. Ralston (Woolf University, USA)
11. Education Barbara J. Thayer-Bacon (University of Tennessee, USA)
12. Economics Paul B. Thompson (Michigan State University, USA)
13. Race Shannon Sullivan (UNC Charlotte, USA)
14. Religion Ulf Zackariasson (Uppsala University, Sweden)
15. Environment Jennifer Welchman (University of Alberta, Canada)
16. Global Pragmatism and Higher Education Naoko Saito (Kyoto University, Japan) and Tomohiro Akiyama (The University of Tokyo, Japan)

Part IV. Pragmatism in the Multicultural World
17. Feminist Pragmatist Praxis, Danielle Lake (Elon University, USA), Judy Whipps (Grand Valley State University, USA), and Sunny Heenen (Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, USA)
18. Pragmatism and Indigenous Philosophy Anna Cook (University of the Fraser Valley, Canada)
19. Pragmatism in Europe Emil Visnovsky (Comenius University Bratislava, Slovakia)
20. Analytic Philosophy and Pragmatism Henrik Rydenfelt (University of Helsinki, Finland)
21. New Directions Sami Pihlström (University of Helsinki, Finland)

Part V. Appendices
22. Chronology Michael Eldridge (Late of The University of California at Charlotte, USA)
23. Glossary Michael Eldridge (Late of The University of California at Charlotte, USA) and Sami Pihlström (University of Helsinki, Finland)
24. A Select Bibliography, John R. Shook (updates by Sami Pihlström)

Index

Editorial Reviews

The Bloomsbury Handbook of Pragmatism demonstrates the enduring relevance of philosophical pragmatism. Its focus is on pragmatism as a contemporary practice, not just a historical phenomenon. As such, it is an excellent resource for scholars and students, both those new to pragmatism and those who are currently working in the area. The chapters are well-written, informative, and insightful.” —Keith Dromm, Professor of Philosophy, Louisiana Scholars' College, USA

“The new, expanded edition of The Bloomsbury Handbook of Pragmatism nicely rejuvenates what was already an impressive volume. With carefully chosen, often timely topics, it enables the reader to quickly get up to speed on the latest research in pragmatism.” —Cornelis de Waal, Professor of Philosophy, Indiana University, USA

“This is a welcomed, well-revised edition of already the best handbook of American pragmatism. Discussing both the theory and especially the broad applications of pragmatism, its contributors are among pragmatism's leading scholars and interpreters. Both newcomers to pragmatism and advanced scholars will find it highly valuable.” —Kenneth W. Stikkers, Professor of Philosophy and Africana Studies and Associate Director, Center for Dewey Studies, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, USA

From the Publisher