What is Pragmatism? Exploring Its Role Between Philosophical Traditions
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Chapter 1: Understanding Pragmatism
Pragmatism is often characterized as an "American" philosophy, as noted by Hilary Putnam. He perceives it as a bridge between continental (modern European) and analytic philosophies (logicism). The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy highlights Charles Sanders Peirce (1839–1914) and William James (1842–1910) as foundational figures in pragmatic thought. However, the standard definitions of pragmatism present some deficiencies, which merit discussion:
- One definition posits that “a claim is true if and only if it is useful” (Legg, C. and Hookway, C. in Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). Yet, useful for whom?
- Another suggests that pragmatists “philosophize in ways that are relevant to the real problems faced by real human beings” (Putnam, R. A. in Pragmatism and Realism). But do “unreal human beings” not exist?
- A third asserts that “all philosophical concepts should undergo scientific experimentation” (Legg, C. and Hookway, C. in Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). While I appreciate this notion, as Putnam and Kuhn argue, scientific experimentation should not be confused with a rigid adherence to a fixed scientific framework (refer to Kuhn’s ideas of “disciplinary matrix” and “paradigm,” as well as Putnam’s discussion in Pragmatism and Nonscientific Knowledge).
Finding a Better Definition
The previously mentioned definitions seem inadequate; thus, pragmatism may either be flawed or in need of further refinement. I lean towards the latter. To better define pragmatism, we must recognize its relevance in two major areas: (1) epistemology, and (2) ethics.
Section 1.1: Pragmatism in Epistemology
Pragmatism can serve as a valuable epistemological framework. Similar to Wittgenstein's philosophy, which maintains that some paradoxes are “unsolvable” and should be viewed as natural expressions within the language game, pragmatism encourages clear communication and testing of ideas in practice.
Section 1.2: Pragmatism in Ethics
Conversely, pragmatism as an ethical philosophy appears less robust. It lacks absolute truths. For example, if a group prioritizes “fun” over “justice,” leading to actions that may harm others, we cannot necessarily deem those actions ethically wrong if the group chooses to pursue enjoyment instead.
Chapter 2: The Strengths and Weaknesses of Pragmatism
A pragmatic epistemology emphasizes efficiency and clarity, making it a philosophy of “shortcuts” and practical problem-solving. If pragmatism's essence lies in saving time, then Occam, known for the principle of parsimony or “Occam’s Razor,” could be viewed as one of the earliest pragmatists. He famously stated, “entities should not be multiplied beyond necessity.”
The first video titled "What is Pragmatism?" delves into its foundational concepts and historical context, offering insights into its significance in philosophical discourse.
The second video, also titled "What is Pragmatism?", explores various interpretations and applications of pragmatism in contemporary discussions, shedding light on its relevance today.
In conclusion, while the transient aspects of life are integral to many individuals, pragmatism stands firm as a practical philosophy that champions efficiency and relevance in our understanding of the world.