Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking
Abstract
One of the great American pragmatic philosophers alongside Peirce and Dewey, William James (1842–1910) delivered these eight lectures in Boston and New York in the winter of 1906–7. Though he credits Peirce with coining the term 'pragmatism', James highlights in his subtitle that this 'new name' describes a philosophical temperament as old as Socrates. The pragmatic approach, he says, takes a middle way between rationalism's airy principles and empiricism's hard facts. James' pragmatism is both a method of interpreting ideas by their practical consequences and an epistemology which identifies truths according to their useful outcomes. Furnished with many examples, the lectures illustrate pragmatism's response to classic problems such as the question of free will versus determinism. Published in 1907, this work further develops James's approach to religion and morality, introduced in The Will to Believe (1897) and The Varieties of Religious Experience (1902), both reissued in this series.
... While Pierce claimed that truth can be known empirically through objective reasoning, James argued that reality is plural, comprising multiple forms, and so that truth is subjective (Mayumi and Ota 2023;Peirce 1878). In his essay A Pluralistic Universe, James termed different realities 'each-forms' (James 1907(James , 1909 and proposed that 'each-forms' co-exist dependently but influence each other (McCready 2010). They may converge in what James called the 'all-form' reality, but this is beyond human reach (James 1907(James , 1909. ...
... In his essay A Pluralistic Universe, James termed different realities 'each-forms' (James 1907(James , 1909 and proposed that 'each-forms' co-exist dependently but influence each other (McCready 2010). They may converge in what James called the 'all-form' reality, but this is beyond human reach (James 1907(James , 1909. He wrote, 'We are invincibly parts, let us talk as we will, and must always apprehend the absolute as if it were a foreign being' (James 1907, 13). ...
... James proposed that truth is a status, given through a process of verification and validation of ideas (James 1907). In keeping with plural and fluid ontology, James construed fixed, certain, and absolute truth as an unobtainable ideal; rather, the experience of truth is multiple, perspective bound, and changing. ...
Nursing research has commonly taken a problem‐based approach to research design seeking to ground research endeavour within the phenomena with which nursing is occupied. The aim of this paper is to explore an alternative of using philosophical imperative as a research driver, considering both the appropriateness and implications of this approach for nursing. Jamesian pragmatism, with its emphasis on plural, fluid ontology and evolving knowledge, aligns with nursing and is one philosophical imperative which has much to the profession. The paper offers an exemplar of research into family members' experience of the diminishing drinking of a dying relative, which was undertaken within, and from, a pragmatic imperative. Research driven by philosophical imperative has consequences. The philosophical imperative will likely to be pervasive across the research, influencing research topic, conceptualisation, design, delivery and utilisation, bringing both advantages and constraints.
... anyi dea upon which we can ride … anyi dea that will carry us prosperouslyf roma ny one part of our experience to anyo ther part, linkingt hings satisfactorily, working securely, simplifying, saving labor,i s…true … (James 1975(James [1907 But he at timesdisagreed with Peirce that asuccessful belief has to be connectedto the facts: Satisfactorily, means more satisfactorilyt oo urselves, and individuals will emphasize their points of satisfaction differently. To ac ertain degree, therefore, everythingh erei sp lastic. ...
... anyi dea upon which we can ride … anyi dea that will carry us prosperouslyf roma ny one part of our experience to anyo ther part, linkingt hings satisfactorily, working securely, simplifying, saving labor,i s…true … (James 1975(James [1907 But he at timesdisagreed with Peirce that asuccessful belief has to be connectedto the facts: Satisfactorily, means more satisfactorilyt oo urselves, and individuals will emphasize their points of satisfaction differently. To ac ertain degree, therefore, everythingh erei sp lastic. ...
... To ac ertain degree, therefore, everythingh erei sp lastic. (James 1975(James [1907 In the "Will to Believe," Jamessaid thatitmight be rational to believeinGod if that belief made one'slife go better. Peirceand Lewis werenot keen on this more subjective brand of pragmatism. ...
... We, IS scholars (young or seasoned), must be cognizant of these harmful externalities and try to minimize them while utilizing the positive ones. This paper is a provocation and contributes to this embryonic collective effort by proposing a set of strategic acts rooted in the philosophical tradition of pragmatism (James, 1907). ...
... Pragmatism (James, 1907;Stuhr, 2009) pursues practical, commonsense solutions to problems. Such solutions can work as effectively. ...
This paper is a provocation. It points out the concerning trend of framing digital technology as if it is distinct from information technology. While this practice has positive effects (such as conveying relevancy to external stakeholders), it also builds up and generates detrimental externalities, which have gone largely unnoticed-or at least, not brought up to open forums. The key detriments include (1) a hampered cumulative tradition in the IS discipline and (2) the amorphous, ephemeral value we mistakenly create and project about IS studies and majors-especially in this hyper-competitive educational environment. We, IS scholars (young or seasoned), must be cognizant of these harmful externalities and try to minimize them while utilizing the positive ones. This research commentary contributes to the embryonic collective effort by proposing a set of strategic acts rooted in the philosophical tradition of pragmatism.
... See also Lindholm (2023a, 25-27). 22 Peirce chided William James, his friend and collaborator and co-founder of pragmatism, for the notion of the mutability of truth (see Peirce CP 6.485;EP 2, 450, 457-58;James [1907James [ ] 19161909, 59, 68-69, 80, 96-97, 155-60, 158n1). structure of experience and the proper object of knowledge can be expressed with the simple scheme: S 1 → O → S 2 . ...
... See also Lindholm (2023a, 25-27). 22 Peirce chided William James, his friend and collaborator and co-founder of pragmatism, for the notion of the mutability of truth (see Peirce CP 6.485;EP 2, 450, 457-58;James [1907James [ ] 19161909, 59, 68-69, 80, 96-97, 155-60, 158n1). structure of experience and the proper object of knowledge can be expressed with the simple scheme: S 1 → O → S 2 . ...
Don Ihde introduced the concept of multistability: the “same” thing can be experienced in multiple ways. He argued that human–technics relations are multistable: the “same” person can relate to the “same” technic in different ways. However, Ihde does not explain in detail how he understands experience. I suggest that experience be defined as organism–environment intra-action. This definition has anthropological consequences, which I will explain. In this article, I will argue that technics influence human nature, at least potentially, in two ways. First, our character consists in our habits, and each habit is a skill, or active means. Second, habits incorporate both the traits of persons and of their environment, and instruments external to the body, or passive means, are a possible part of the environment. I will also explain multistability by deriving it from the practice-ladenness of experience. I will rely on classical pragmatism in my argumentation.
... The American philosopher William James (1912) referred to this approach as 'radical empiricism', an epistemology that emphasizes affective resonances and ontological diversity, thereby rethinking modernist ideas of individual agency. James views the self as leaky and incomplete, fundamentally relational and affectively Language in Society 53: 5 (2024) porous. ...
... The self, in James' account, is not the agentive-if processual and interactional-producer of sociolinguistic registers or communicative acts. Rather, social practices evolve in a rhizomatic manner and in a context where 'experience outstrips language' (Stuhr 2023:4; see also W. James 1907;Livingston 2016). To adopt such a perspective towards social and physical life complexifies one's understanding of how ways-of-speaking come into being. ...
This article explores the dialectics of hope and anger as responses to what Lear (2006) called ‘devastation’, the colonial-capitalist destruction of the ontological groundings of life. Lear argues that ‘radical hope’ allows for ‘survival’ in such contexts, and his work has been influential. Yet, I want to be careful with relying on hope as a political affect. Hope is also a sociality-sanctioned emotion. Anger, by contrast, remains frowned upon and discouraged. However, anger can have liberatory potential: it constitutes a communicative act, articulating the urgent need for political change. I explore the semiotics of anger by considering the complex affective contours of a musical performance, ‘Protest’, created by Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach (1960). The expression of anger is reflexive and performative. It is a recognizable register as well as a politically passionate communicative act that resists its own foreclosure and that intersects with hope in complex ways. (Hope, anger, affect, music, negative dialectics, philosophical sociolinguistics)*
... Through critical thinking and practical application, doubt is ultimately dispelled. With roots in the writings of Peirce (1984), James (1907), and Dewey (1931), as well as more recent backing from Rorty (1991), pragmatism emphasizes the real-world issues that individuals face, the suggested research questions, and the outcomes of that inquiry. ...
... With roots in the writings of Peirce (1984) and James (1907), pragmatism is a philosophy of knowledge building that places an emphasis on real-world answers to applied research questions as well as the outcomes of inquiry. It has been recommended by Brustad (2002) (1996) provided the following: Sometimes using qualitative methods is best, and other times using a quantitative approach. ...
Manuscript Information This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the transformational strategic plan for the period: 2017-2022 and identify implementation challenges faced by the Municipal Council of Windhoek. The study depended on self-administered questionnaires distributed to Municipal Council of Windhoek employees to collect data. The effect of; strategic formulation, council and senior management leadership, organizational culture, organizational design, resources, communication, and incentives, on implementing the Municipal Council of Windhoek 2017-2022 transformational strategic plan was evaluated using a quantitative data analysis approach using descriptive statistics. Furthermore, challenges affecting strategic plan implementation were identified using a thematic qualitative data analysis approach. The results indicated that the effect of all considered factors was of high importance to implementing the strategic plan. Furthermore, results indicated that apart from incentives, which had a low effect; the remaining six factors had a moderate effect on the implementation of the Municipal Council of Windhoek 2017-2022 transformational strategic plan. In addition, results indicated that the implementation of the 2017-2022 strategic plan for the Municipal Council of Windhoek faced several challenges with lack of funds and leadership vacuum being the most common shared challenges by respondents. Conversely, financial resources and support of the council and senior management leadership were the most commonly identified factors that contributed to the successful implementation of the Municipal Council of Windhoek 2017-2022 strategic plan. Following the study's findings, The Municipal Council of Windhoek should improve its financial resources for all projects and activities in the strategic plan. Furthermore, there is a need for the Municipal Council of Windhoek to implement the performance management system in order to improve the accountability of employees.
... Essa posição lembra o pragmatismo de William James . Lembremos que, para James (1975), a propriedade que faz algo ser uma verdade é a utilidade. ...
Pretendo rejeitar as críticas que pragmatistas como Price fazem ao minimalismo em relação à verdade. De acordo com Price, o conceito básico de verdade é essencialmente normativo de uma forma que o minimalismo não consegue explicar. O aspecto normativo em questão refere-se à seguinte regra: se é verdade que P, é correto afirmar que P. Para o autor, esse uso do conceito de verdade é essencial. Ele acredita que só é possível compreender o conceito básico de verdade ao entender esse uso. No entanto, o minimalismo não seria capaz de explicar esse aspecto do conceito de verdade. O fato de o minimalismo utilizar apenas as instâncias do esquema de equivalência para definir o conceito de verdade supostamente faz com que essa teoria não consiga elucidar o caráter normativo desse conceito. Defenderei que o problema mencionado decorre de uma confusão conceitual entre regras constitutivas e regulativas do significado de “é verdade”. Além disso, defenderei que o tipo de pragmatismo em questão entende a ideia de uma acepção mínima de verdade de forma distinta, embora compatível com o minimalismo. Por fim, apresentarei uma forma de normatividade e uma modalidade de vantagem adaptativa que revelam o papel que provavelmente manteve o conceito de verdade na linguagem humana.
... can be incorporated into a measurement framework while maintaining scientific rigour. The philosophical 144 framework of pragmatism, as developed by Peirce (1878) and James (1907), offers insights into how practical 145 utility can be balanced against theoretical purity in measurement systems. to measure (Palmstrom & Broch, 2006). ...
The widespread use of rock mass classification systems in engineering practice relies on mathematical operations and assumptions that violate fundamental principles of measurement theory. This paper presents a critical analysis of current classification methodologies, focusing on the Rock Mass Rating (RMR), Q-system, and Geological Strength Index (GSI), drawing parallels with historical scientific misconceptions such as the phlogiston theory. Through detailed examination of measurement theory principles and their application to geological characterization, we demonstrate that these classification systems contain inherent flaws in their treatment of ordinal data and parameter independence. The paper identifies four critical issues: the invalid summation of ordinal ratings in the RMR system, the inappropriate multiplication and division operations in the Q-system, the unjustified visual interpolation in the GSI system, and the universal problem of assumed parameter independence. Through examination of measurement theory principles and their application to geological characterization, we demonstrate that current classification systems violate basic mathematical rules in their treatment of ordinal data and parameter independence. The implications of these violations extend beyond theoretical concerns, affecting practical engineering decisions and risk assessment. We also illustrate how these theoretical flaws manifest in practice and propose directions for developing more theoretically sound approaches to rock mass characterization. This critical analysis aims to initiate a necessary dialogue about the future of rock mass classification in engineering practice
... In addition to these three paradigms directly anchored on the three basic philosophical perspectives of the reality of life and knowledge, there are more paradigms that adopt one or more of these perspectives at varied degrees. One of such is the pragmatic paradigm which emphasizes the practical application of knowledge and the integration of multiple perspectives (Dewey, 1910;James, 1907). In a doctoral study examining the effectiveness of a community-based literacy program, researchers might employ a pragmatic framework that could combine survey and phenomenology as theoretical frameworks at different stages of the research. ...
A doctorate of philosophy study is a requirement in every society to promote research and innovation through interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary research. The philosophy of research serves as a critical cornerstone in guiding and shaping the prospective research processes towards this end. However, the curriculum of research methodology programmes for doctoral students, especially in the natural sciences, mostly leaves out the philosophical components of logic, critical thinking and consciousness of the social responsibility of research. This creates a developmental gap in doctoral training, producing scholars not competently nurtured as the big thinkers and creative problem-solvers society needs. This paper, therefore, explores the significance of philosophical underpinnings within a multidisciplinary platform and their implications for doctoral development and inquiry. The study is based on the unique Generic Research Methodology Programme (RSM) of the Postgraduate School in Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna and supported by a broader textual analysis of some other doctoral research programmes that also sought to harness the role of liberal education in interdisciplinary doctoral development. At its core, the RSM foregrounds the intricate relationship between philosophical frameworks and the research journey but presents this within a carefully knitted package that adequately provides for the peculiarities and multidisciplinarity in research development. The RSM programme is therefore delivered in three blocks comprising two generic multidisciplinary study blocks and one peculiar disciplinary block. This paper focuses on the first generic block RSM 911, titled Research Philosophies. It seeks to illuminate how the ontological perspectives of reality guiding epistemological assumptions of inquiry inform theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches with their attendant ethical considerations for formulating and designing impactful research, which should be effectively communicated to non-professional members of society. Thus through a generic multidisciplinary engagement, the RSM 911 has been designed to address the problems of scholars' inability to apply philosophical knowledge in the conceptualization and design of doctoral research; theoretical knowledge in statistical tests in the laboratory or field studies; frequent mistakes in choosing appropriate sets of experiments and controls with attendant ethical considerations for impactful knowledge generation; and significant difficulty in explaining research findings to non-experts. By transcending disciplinary boundaries, the course harnesses the insights and methodologies of diverse philosophical traditions, enriching the depth and breadth of scholarly inquiry for a rigorous and robust research development for the prospective Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) research process.
... Experiences are always real (James, 1912(James, , 1907. We are not alsely playng a game or readng a book; those experiences are real, and the emotions created during these experiences are also real. ...
... The Law and Pragmatism: William James, presenting pragmatism as a "mediating philosophy" said it is a "method for settling metaphysical disputes that might otherwise be interminable" 8 . He further defined pragmatism as a fact-supremacy discipline where facts form the core of pragmatism and are "the seat of authority" 8 . ...
Pragmatism is a school of moral philosophy, and of contemporary in origin, comparing to the other schools of moral philosophy. It evaluates the action based on the practical applicability and relevance. Pragmatism can, therefore, be useful to make a law that govern the society contemporary and relevant for the constantly changing world. Biomedical laws in particular are needed to correspond to the changing standards and good practices in tandem with their advancements. This paper will assess from a pragmatic point of view, the efficacy of the biomedical laws of Bangladesh.
... In accordance with the pragmatic philosophy of the study (Giacobbi et al., 2005), the research team acknowledges that knowledge is constructed in nature yet influenced by historical and contemporary sociopolitical culture. Further, pragmatics hold that agreement about knowledge is gleaned through discourse and ongoing dialog, which allows for practical-level truths to exist (James, 1907). Pragmatists then often use one or more research methods deemed appropriate to advance an inquiry while simultaneously considering the consequences of both the methods used and inquire posed. ...
As a new arena in the field, there exists limited knowledge about the available education and training opportunities within the sport social work field. The current study was designed to better understand the learning opportunities utilized by sport social workers to practice competently within the field. A 22-item online questionnaire was administered to the Alliance of Social Workers in Sport (ASWIS) email listserv. A total of 84 participants completed the survey. Results highlight the gaps in the existing opportunities for sport social workers and the format, delivery, topics, and content of trainings that would be most helpful in the future. Identifying existing gaps and opportunities for improvements in the future allows for an expanded field and increased opportunities for competent social work practice.
... El año 1907 fue clave en la producción filosófica de James, porque es el año en el que publicó Pragmatism (James, 1907), obra que le hizo pasar a la historia por ser el máximo divulgador de la filosofía pragmatista -aunque en todas las ocasiones en las que James habló de la filosofía pragmatista atribuyó a Charles S. Peirce el término "pragmatismo"-. Además 1907 fue el año del retiro de James como profesor de Harvard. ...
En este artículo se destaca la importancia de Internet como un hito histórico comparable a la invención de la imprenta porque ha transformado la comunicación y el acceso al conocimiento. Se argumenta que, al igual que la imprenta surgió en un contexto social y cultural adecuado para expandirse, Internet se ha extendido en unas condiciones ideales de globalización y de disolución de fronteras culturales. En este sentido, se sostiene la idea de que la filosofía debe adaptarse a estas nuevas formas de comunicación y divulgación y ser accesible on-line, convirtiendo Internet en uno de los mejores auditorios para el diálogo filosófico. El artículo se estructura en tres partes: primero, se presenta el pensamiento de William James sobre la comunidad de investigación del que nace la idea principal de este trabajo; segundo, se exploran ejemplos de filosofía online, destacando el Grupo de Estudios Peirceanos y el proyecto de investigación PLEXUS; y, finalmente, se plantean preguntas para fomentar la accesibilidad y el rigor de la filosofía en la era digital.
... According to SIT, individuals strive to maintain and enhance their self-esteem and personal identity, while group membership requires conformity to group norms and, at times, the subordination of personal interests to those of the collective. This tension between individual distinctiveness and group conformity drives social competition, in-group/out-group biases, and Pragmatic dialectics, as discussed by William James in Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking (1901), highlights the practical implications of ideas, asserting that the truth of any concept lies in its applicability and effectiveness in addressing real-world problems (William, 1901). ...
Traditional dialectics based on the “thesis-antithesis-synthesis” model falls short in addressing complex scientific problems devoid of clear opposition/antagonism. A more effective approach is essential for these intricate problems. This paper introduces a novel dialectical method—centralized dialectics—based on “analysis-synthesis” for addressing complex phenomena that lack clear antagonistic features and are governed by parsimonious underlying mechanisms. When applied to neuroscience, this method is referred to as “dialectic neuroscience.” The proposed method mirrors Bayesian model selection, guided by criteria rationality, comprehensive accountability, and parsimony. Analytical components interact through synthesis, analogous to identifying the central missing piece of a jigsaw puzzle (with the peripheral pieces representing analytic facts), hence the term “centralized.” The output is the theory or mechanism derived from this synthesis process through nonlinear or creative thinking. Centralized dialectics principles have been implicitly utilized across various disciplines, particularly in modern physics, yet remain unarticulated. Major depressive disorder (MDD) serves as a demonstration of dialectic neuroscience, wherein the approach successfully identified an abnormal reciprocal suppressive network mechanism associated with MDD, which was later empirically validated. From an engineering perspective, synthetic results correspond to achieving local or global optima. Centralized dialectics provides a rigorous, flexible, and interdisciplinary framework for complex problem-solving. It has the potential to reshape scientific standards, foster creative thinking, and enable cross-validation across diverse fields. This method could help frame non-linear thinking and creativity within a scientific framework. A structured formulation is recommended to ensure synthesis quality and to facilitate mutual verification among different parties. This metascience research employed a systematic and integrative approach, beginning with an extensive literature review to identify limitations in existing dialectical methods and establish the foundation for centralized dialectics. Conceptual modeling and a Bayesian framework were then utilized to formalize the proposed framework, followed by exemplifying its application across diverse disciplines. To illustrate, the author analyzed MDD through the lens of centralized dialectics, proposed a theory, and provided empirical validation. Both the essence of centralized dialectics and its strategic implementation are emphasized. The potential of centralized dialectics to complement current scientific standards by incorporating creative and nonlinear thinking into scientific activities without sacrificing meticulousness is highlighted.
... Pragmatism, rooted in the works of Dewey (1938) and James (1907), and further explored in the context of educational and communication research by Biesta and Burbules (2003), emphasizes the importance of inquiry as a dynamic, iterative process embedded in real-world contexts. Knowledge is not static but evolves through action and reflection. ...
Design thinking has gained prominence as an innovative, human-centered methodology for addressing complex problems across disciplines. Despite its widespread application in fields such as business and education, its potential as a research tool in political science remains underexplored. This paper presents design thinking method as a robust qualitative research methodology suitable for examining comparative social and public policy, governance, and political systems, especially contested and value-laden social problems. By aligning the iterative, abductive processes of design thinking with the principles of pragmatism, this framework offers a novel approach to addressing the multifaceted empirical challenges in areas such as health policy, environmental governance, political campaigns, and evidence-based policymaking. Through a six-phase standardized frame-work and actionable templates, this manuscript demonstrates how design thinking enables researchers to generate insights that bridge theory and practice in political science.
... Esse tratamento por um lado comprova a potência de uma abordagem da sociologia da moral proposta por um de nós (WERNECK, 2023, p. 8), segundo a qual "a moral é uma dimensão de todos os fenômenos sociais [e não uma característica correspondente a um tipo de fenômeno específico]", e por outro respalda uma fenomenologia na qual os atores sociais eles mesmos pesam a mão sobre essa dimensão, concentrando-se em sua dimensão formal -notadamente as interações valorativas, neste caso, especialmente as disputas em quadros de valor. É também congruente com um tratamento compreensivo (WEBER, 2001(WEBER, [1904), pragmatista (PEIRCE, 1992(PEIRCE, [1878JAMES, 1907;DEWEY, 1938) e pragmático (BOLTANSKI;THÉVENOT, 2020; BOLTANSKI, CHIAPELLO, 2009CHIAPELLO, [1999; THÉVENOT, 2006) que tem marcado nossos trabalhos em separado (SALES, 2021a(SALES, , 2021b(SALES, , 2024CANTU, 2021;WERNECK, 2012WERNECK, , 2015WERNECK, , 2020WERNECK, , 2021aWERNECK, , 2021bWERNECK, , 2024, entre outros) e que se mantém neste, levando a sério como os atores constroem e operam eles mesmos sua efetivação das ações sociais por recurso a quadros de valor por eles também construídos e operados, implicando uma teoria da ação e levando em conta uma teoria de agência que destaca os investimentos e engajamentos (THÉVENOT, 2006) dos atores sociais. ...
O objetivo deste artigo é analisar os esforços de influencers de investimentos para converter um público de não investidores em investidores pela mobilização de uma forma de comportamento que chamamos de moralismo ostentatório (MO). Com a análise de 60 ads veiculados na plataforma YouTube, estudamos como esses influencers recorrem ao que chamamos de impelimento moralista para levar espectadores a aderir a seus planos de investimento. Observamos três formas de impelimento baseado na ostentação moralista: o constrangimento, a agressividade e a ridicularização, além do congraçamento, exceção não moralista, mas que comprova a regra, o que demonstra a naturalização do MO no contexto contemporâneo.
... 5 I use the term "visio-perceptory" rather than "visio-epistemic" as used by Brogaard, Chomanski, and Gatzia (2021), to capture the fact that these are sense-based forms of knowing. 6 The divisive ideological disagreement between empiricism and rationalism is akin to William James' encounter with a man chasing a squirrel around a tree (James 1907(James /2004. The Squirrel problem is whether the man "goes around the squirrel" or not when doing so. ...
This book presents a novel pluralist strategy for answering Molyneux’s 300+year-old conundrum: Would a person, born blind but given sight, identify a shape previously known only by their touch? The author interweaves historical scholarship with contemporary philosophical work and empirical research on animal, infant, and adult human perception. The author argues that we need a new approach to Molyneux’s problem because we do not know what the problem is really about, and it is untestable because a Molyneux subject cannot be physically realized. He criticizes Molyneux’s question for its simplistic taxonomy of “the blind” that groups significant individual differences into a singular ontology. Research in the cognitive sciences confirms that various kinds of blindness can co-occur, such as ocular, cortical, and psychological blindness. Therefore, the author adopts an explanatory pluralism for answering Molyneux’s problem, which includes no, yes, and “no answer” answers according to the domain of inquiry being used. This account provides a research-based answer to a long-standing problem using previously unheeded insights particularly from animal crossmodal perception studies to retell a more complex story of perception: its levels of explanation and integration.
... However, from the perspective of a possible extinction event, such a consequentialist argument becomes a deontological absolute duty, because while they see their actions as ethical since they work towards the general spread of humanity to space (which not all need to buy), they appeal to the survival of the whole society, which they see as a normative end to be achieved by the technology they like or produce. This way of ethical thinking, or ethical principle deduction, is a general problem of Western instrumental pragmatism, which is more profit-driven than the 19th-century pragmatism that searched for practical solutions to our everyday struggles (James, 1910). The recent translation of the initial instrumental pragmatist thinking into the new emancipatory approach used in studies of international security adds the normative/ ethical layer and talks about security in terms of conditions for flourishing rather than conditions of the absence of threat (Nyman and Burke, 2016). ...
... Pragmatism, as a type of philosophical thought, bases its presumptions on practice and real-world experience and aims to solve our everyday struggles. The term "pragmatism" was defined by American pragmatists such as Dewey (1910) and James (1910). As solving problems does not come without normative implications, and as progress cannot move forward forever if it does not reflect some ethical presumptions, pragmatism is not normatively empty (Cochran, 2002). ...
We often observe phenomena connected to the actions of collectivities or populations of similar unorganized elements, or the actions of individuals (agents) of some species, which seem directed by an invisible hand guiding the analogous behaviors of the individuals to produce an emerging collective (macro) phenomenon. Such phenomenon cannot be reduced to the simple sum of the effects from the individual (micro) actions; rather, it is the result of the “combination” of these individual actions that conform to the collective behavior, which in turn conditions the behavior of the individual, in a macro-micro feedback. The awareness of the existence of traits common to collective phenomena leads to the formulation of the Combinatory System Theory to explain the genesis and maintenance of these macro phenomena. This chapter formally presents the basic ideas behind the theory, analyzing in some detail the logic of combinatory systems and their constitutive characteristics.
In “Pragmatism as Mediator—Seeking an Illusory Harmony?” (2023) Sami Pihlström takes a critical stance on pragmatic mediation. While agreeing with how pragmatic mediation functions in the context of philosophical disagreement, I argue for extending its role to more practical and policy-oriented contexts. In this response I sketch out a pragmatic approach to the function of punishment within the US legal system.
This paper explores the later Putnam’s strong defense of numerous creative views in Jamesian philosophy. Although in the 1950s and 1960s, pragmatist tradition was shortly silent at a time, it still has a very solid philosophical foundation in contemporary social thought. In the later Putnam’s eyes, many philosophers of the same generation as James, however, underestimates or even despises James’s achievements in philosophy seriously. What he has to do is to rectify James’s fame and re-establish the important role that James plays in the movement of American pragmatism. This paper mainly inquires the later Putnam’s revitalization on Jamesian pragmatism in his later philosophy from three aspects: (1) James’s Pragmatic Theory of Truth; (2) four kinds of strains and two kinds of truths in James’s mind; and (3) James’s natural realism of common sense. As for the later Putnam, the key elements of classical pragmatism, especially James’s radical empiricism, provide a significant theoretical framework for the most progressive and forward-looking views in contemporary philosophy. He places classical pragmatism in the discussion of contemporary world philosophy, and personally participates in it as a James-style natural realist, which has rejuvenated traditional pragmatic philosophy.
Truth and responsibility are fundamental ethical principles that shape leadership practices in corporate settings. This study explores the philosophical foundations of truth and responsibility and their applications in leadership ethics within organizations. Using a systematic literature review approach, the research synthesizes findings from various philosophical schools, such as deontology, utilitarianism, and virtue ethics, to examine how leaders can navigate ethical dilemmas, foster integrity, and build trust. The results reveal that embracing truth and accountability enhances decision-making processes, strengthens organizational culture, and mitigates ethical risks. This study highlights the significance of philosophical reflection in addressing modern leadership challenges, particularly in fostering transparency and ethical responsibility in complex business environments. Future research should focus on integrating these principles into leadership development programs to promote sustainable and ethical organizational growth.
Partimos da ideia que o currículo se constitui a partir de diferentes perspectivas ideológicas (FREIRE, [1991]2001) que imprimem, na formação docente, relações de poder e de saber. O objetivo desse estudo foi analisar o currículo do curso de Letras da Universidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú a fim de perceber como se dá a relação entre os agentes do processo de ensino-aprendizagem e as articulações entre o saber e o saber-fazer. Metodologicamente, trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, que se ancora no paradigma interpretativista (BORTONI-RICARDO, 2008), a fim de analisar o currículo vigente, discutindo-o à luz dos estudos decoloniais (QUIJANO, 2000). Em seguida, apresentamos uma proposta de currículo que considera a interação teoria/prática essencial para a formação de professores capazes de propor ações positivas para a Educação Básica. Concluímos que os modelos curriculares construídos a partir da perspectiva tradicional não são mais satisfatórios às demandas educacionais contemporâneas, além de influenciar, negativamente, nas práticas sociais e educacionais dos professores de línguas.
Proof is the use of reliable materials to show or determine the authenticity of people or things. Here, there are three elements that deserve our attention. First, we should think about the concept of “authenticity”. Especially when it comes to decisions, the difference between authenticity and certainty is of great concern. It also indicates the goal of proof. Second, we should think about “reliable materials”, which is the evidence. How to understand the relationship between method and material (evidence) constitutes the basis of proof. Third, we should think about the method of making judgment. Whether the proof is rational depends on the rationality of the method. Charles Sanders Pierce pointed out that: “That which constitutes science, then, is not so much correct conclusions, as it is a correct method” (Peirce, Selected Writings, Dover Publications, 1958: 350). Therefore, from the perspective of probability theory, this section focuses on three aspects: Firstly, what is the goal of probability theory, and what does “authenticity” mean under this probability theory? Secondly, what is the relationship between probability theory as a method and evidence as proof material? Thirdly, what are the different observation and research paths provided by the mainstream probability interpretation theory?
This article critiques the traditional model of integrating psychology and theology, highlighting its colonial underpinnings. While the integration of these fields has yielded beneficial outcomes, it often centers the perspectives of white, male Christians and neglects diverse, marginalized voices. Theology is often reduced to providing resources for psychological insight without interrogating the psychological frameworks themselves. This article proposes a decolonial alternative, advocating for an epistemic shift that challenges the hegemony of Western-centered ideologies. This shift would embrace hybridity, cultural distinctiveness, collectivism, and liberation theology. The authors also examine the Netflix series Beef as a case study, using it to illustrate how colonial forces shape the psychological and spiritual struggles of marginalized groups. The article concludes by sketching a roadmap for counselors to adopt a decolonial approach, emphasizing embodied, community-based healing practices and the reclamation of indigenous spiritual wisdom.
El autor reta la identidad del posthumanismo como corriente filosófica que obliga a la revisión de lo humano y al transhumanismo como una nueva realidad que deriva en el quiebre del paradigma normativo. Ejemplifica con las regulaciones más recientes emanadas de la Unión Europea, Suiza, Estados Unidos y otros países en la vanguardia tecnológica para demostrar que los ajustes normativos se manifiestan con normalidad en sociedades en desarrollo y son consustanciales a las revoluciones tecnológicas. Asimismo, basándose en criterios históricos sobre la adaptación del derecho y bajo una perspectiva filosófico-teológica, concluye que los derechos de la naturaleza y las diversas fórmulas de utilización de los avances tecnológicos en función del bienestar de los seres humanos son perfectamente compatibles con la dignidad humana en la medida que respondan a patrones éticos que se correspondan con la naturaleza humana y no deben ser mostrados como contrarios a ella o con términos que reflejan que van más allá del humano.
Research paradigms are essential to study social and human phenomena, interpreting social reality and construct knowledge. It is noting that identifying research philosophy is clarified for researcher scope of phenomena, and boundaries of it. Further, understanding research philosophy can help researchers in designing data collections tools, and achieving high-quality criteria in research procedures. Thus, mixed methods research advocate for explicit discussion of paradigmatic foundations that support the integration process. This paper aims to discusses four essential philosophical assumptions and perspectives repeatedly discussed in mixed methods literature: pragmatism, critical realism, transformative, and dialectics. The study revealed that mixed methods got benefits from each paradigm to justify its logic of combining between qualitative and quantitative components,) *)
This article examines an apparent irony in the environmental ethic of the contemporary American West. Much of the Interior West is dominated by a particular culture that is the product of Mormon settlement in the Salt Lake Valley and subsequent expansion throughout the region. The teachings of early Mormon leaders contained significant threads of what today would be recognized as environmentalism. Despite these teachings, and despite Mormons’ famously strict adherence to other theological tenets, the environmental ethic of the contemporary West is often perceived as anti-environment. Why would this culture, which holds so fast to its other religious teachings — including those teachings that for a time had significant and negative political, legal, and economic effects — reject this aspect of religious doctrine? Using the Mormon experience as a case study, this article argues that the contemporary West’s conservative environmental ethic is a tapestry woven from the interrelationships of legal regimes found and developed during western settlement, the cultural origins and destinations of the settlers, and the physical landscape itself. It is both what settlers found and developed upon arriving in the interior West that led to the region’s contemporary environmental conservatism.
The article is devoted to the analysis of axionomy as a comprehensive metaphysical approach to understanding existence itself and human beings in it, as well as their relationship with value. The paper proposes a new understanding of the concept of value in the context of axionomy, – an axiom, – that integrates the moral, ethical and ontological aspects of existence. The author describes and substantiates the methodological foundations of the axiom and its potential in solving philosophical problems related to the crisis of modern thinking and worldview paradigms. A comparison is made with the main analogous trends in modern philosophy, such as neo-kantianism, pragmatism, neotomism, neo-marxism, existentialism, and phenomenology. The author proves that the value (axiom) within the axionomy is a key factor in the process of comprehending life in general, as well as in the strategic development of the worldview paradigm of an individual in the present-day conditions.
William Whewell's 19th-century views are seldom given a prominent place in the history of the philosophy of science. There is, however, a key feature of his account that is, upon historical analysis, prescient of later developments, notably in pragmatism. Whewell calls this the "fundamental antithesis of philosophy", which centres around the idea that there is no clear demarcation between subject and object (between mind and world or theory and fact). In this paper, I trace this notion's genealogy. It originated with Kant, who influenced Whewell. Whewell then developed it into a detailed thesis, one that influenced Peirce. It is identifiable in Quine, then (middle) Putnam, and now Cheryl Misak and Steven Levine (aka the new pragmatists). The purpose is to identify a previously overlooked lineage of influence running through the history of philosophy. Whewell's antithesis might also offer a way to resist both the relativism that tends to accompany post-modern styles of pragmatism and the pretensions to a God's-eye view latent in analytic metaphysics.
In this paper, I discuss the tendency in philosophy to become an excessively theoretical enterprise, an enterprise aspiring to such highly generalized viewpoints on reality, mind, language, or ethics that its “findings” lose touch with lived experience and with broader intellectual concerns and become highly “scholastic,” wedded to abstractions, ideals, dichotomies, and principles that do not find any clear application in everyday life and discourse. I distinguish two types of reaction to this philosophical tendency, a quietist versus a pragmatist reaction, the one being entirely hostile to philosophical thought, the other attempting to revitalize philosophy with practical, or dynamic, models of philosophical activity. Following Dewey, I offer a diagnosis of over-theorizing in philosophy, and suggest a remedy, focusing on the inseparable connectedness of a philosophical observer with “objects” of her observation, be it reality, mind, value, or knowledge, which (so I claim) both motivates and delimits the philosophical aspiration for generality and transcendence. Along the way I discuss relevant contributions by Wittgenstein, James, Dewey, Putnam, Nagel, Elgin, Feyerabend, Williams, Quine, Kitcher, and Pettit.
World-order proposals can be classified under the two grand theories of international relations. Under the Realist school, the most prominent proposal has been the classical balance of power theory. Idealist school, undoubtedly, has been more productive relative to the Realist school and produced proposals such as collective security, world government, legalism, functionalism, and cosmopolitanism. In this chapter we will first concentrate on world government, legalism, functionalism, and cosmopolitanism. And then toward finding a solution to the question of how we can manage power in the international system, we will reflect on the balance of power theory and collective security.
In the contemporary postsecular context, where the influence of religion has become increasingly significant, this study explores the substantial influence of New Religious Movements (NRMs) in India. Focusing on Brahma Kumaris (BKs), a prominent NRM, this study examines their role as proponents of social change across various public spheres in modern society. The BKs’ deviation from traditional religious doctrines, their emphasis on self-transformation, and their capacity to adapt to contemporary challenges render them particularly relevant in the postsecular context. This study analyzes the pragmatic approach that BKs employ to engage with and assert their influence in contemporary public life. Specifically, it delineates five critical processes that underpin the organization’s pragmatic pursuits: detraditionalization, synergism, gender sensitization, agro-spiritualism, and digitalization. By subverting varied normativities and contesting the religious/secular dyad through their pragmatic pursuits, the BKs illuminate the shapeshifting edges and fluid integration of religion and secularity within the contemporary postsecular milieu.
After laying out a conventional account of the formalism vs. realism debates, this Article argues that formalism and realism are at once impossible and entrenched. To say they are impossible is to say that they are not as represented — that they cannot deliver their promised goods. To say that they are entrenched is to say that these forms of thought are sedimented as thought and practice throughout law’s empire. We live thus amidst the ruins of formalism and realism. The disputes between these two great determinations of American law continue today, but usually in more localized or circumscribed forms. We see versions of the disputes, for instance, in the stylized disagreements over the desired form of judicial doctrines (rules vs. standards); or the best rendition of key political values like equality (formal vs. substantive); or the proper mode of judicial interpretation (textual vs. purposive). Here too, the arguments that comprise the localized variants of the dispute remain inconclusive. The Article concludes by mapping “the logics of collapse” — specifically, some critical moves that undermine the rhetorical and intellectual force of the formalism vs. realism disputes and their localized variants. The aims here are several. First, the ability to deploy the critical moves helps with analysis. The critical moves help show how the arguments are constructed in the first place and how they are rhetorically and intellectually compromised. Second, and relatedly, the critical moves allow us to avoid being taken in by the formalism vs. realism arguments and their localized variants. Third, the aim is to show how our formalist and realist argumentation has already been surpassed by a legal “logic” that undermines the cogency of that argumentation.
This article proposes “gauging” as an unrecognized and useful research purpose for public administration. Unlike an explanatory research purpose, which uses an experimental logic and hypotheses, gauging incorporates a logic of rating and frameworks like standards. It is used in normative assessments such as accreditation, process evaluation, and regulatory policy. We argue that it should be part of public administration’s research tradition because it is widespread in public administration, links to applied research and practice, provides summative and formative assessment, connects evidence to the logic of law, and draws on pragmatism as a link to theory and mixed methods.
In both human cognition and artificial intelligence, the pursuit of truth often takes a back seat to the pursuit of utility. Whether through inherited cultural narratives, scientific paradigms, or statistical models, both humans and AI prioritize pattern recognition and functional coherence over abstract correctness. Humans rely on written traditions and oral narratives to transmit knowledge across generations, while AI systems depend on vast training datasets and iterative fine-tuning processes. Yet, in both systems, truth is less about uncovering immutable constants and more about constructing frameworks that work. Philosophers such as Nietzsche, James, Rorty, Wittgenstein, Foucault, Kuhn, and Derrida have long questioned the nature of truth, and their insights provide a lens through which we can understand AI’s statistical reasoning and humanity’s cultural inheritance. As the boundaries between human and machine knowledge blur, recognizing the shared reliance on utility over objectivity becomes crucial for navigating an increasingly hybrid cognitive ecosystem. This paper explores these parallels, tracing the philosophical roots and societal implications of our collective search for what works rather than what is true.
Keywords: truth, utility, pattern recognition, human cognition, artificial intelligence, Nietzsche, James, Rorty, Wittgenstein, Foucault, Kuhn, Derrida, pragmatism, cultural narratives, AI fine-tuning, corpus training, iterative refinement, paradigm shifts, statistical optimization, hybrid cognition, societal implications.
This article explores how Sámi youth engage with Sámi literature and film as an act of decolonisation and philosophical self-determination; it focuses on their reception of fictional texts and their relationship with truth. Drawing on reviews published in Š Nuoraidmagasiidna, a Sámi youth magazine, this research demonstrates how young reviewers interpret literature as an alternative narrative of truth; it challenges Nordic national regimes of truth and histories of colonialism through the revival of Sámi stories. Using qualitative analysis, this research highlights the pragmatic ways Sámi youth read and evaluate literature, emphasising its role in verifying or falsifying historical and contemporary Sámi realities. The findings suggest that for Nordic countries to achieve meaningful truth and reconciliation, there must be space for ‘gulahallan’, a Sámi term referring to communication and an understanding of Sámi perspectives on truth, particularly those of Sámi youth. These receptions are tools for navigating personal and collective experiences within and beyond colonial structures. This study also proposes a pragmatic educational philosophy of Sámi literature that addresses both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. By centring Sámi youth voices, this research underscores the decolonial potential of literature to inspire identity formation, foster dialogue and cultivate understanding across cultural divides.
This paper advances pragmatist inquiry as a dynamic framework for studying complex and emergent organizational phenomena. Grounded in Peirce's cycle of abduction, deduction, and induction, pragmatist inquiry integrates abductive reasoning, iterative experimentation, and collective reflection within a community of inquiry. These interconnected elements provide researchers with a robust approach to navigating uncertainty, uncovering emergent dynamics, and bridging theory and practice. By embedding inquiry in iterative cycles of action and reflection, pragmatism aligns with process theories, emphasizing temporality, relationality, and becoming in organizational life. Rather than offering replicable tools, it cultivates transferable habits of inquiry-such as openness to surprise, collaborative problem-solving, and contextual sensitivity-that address the complexity of organizational phenomena. Through exemplars, including Golden-Biddle's work on organizational change and Kistruck & Shantz's studies on scaling social innovations, this paper critiques existing treatments of abduction, experimentation, and collaboration, offering a pragmatist framework to advance processual theorizing, methodological pluralism, and actionable research. This approach underscores its potential to inform impactful and context-sensitive inquiry in dynamic organizational settings.
Fiction has served an educational function since the dawn of humanity, symbolically representing the main values ??of its cultures of origin, and stimulated as a mirror through which the individual is invited to reflect on himself and on the world around him, as he sees in the characters and their stories aspects present in his own life. In this context, this article seeks, from an analysis of the character of Jean-Luc Picard, the captain of the starship Enterprise in Star Trek: The Next Generation, to explore the philosophical substrate behind the main ideals identified in his conduct, having as a starting point the thought of the American philosopher and psychologist William James, with the aim of demonstrating the parallels between the fictional man and the pragmatist thinker. We conclude, from this process, that it is possible to argue in favor of this relationship, since several aspects of James' philosophy are also found in the captain's thought.
The study of philosophy has long been a cornerstone in understanding the essence of human existence, knowledge, and values. Its application in the field of education shapes the way individuals learn, grow, and contribute to society. This book, Educational Philosophy, aims to bridge these two dynamic disciplines, offering a comprehensive guide tailored for undergraduate students pursuing the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP) at Gauhati University.
In this book, we delve into the foundational aspects of philosophy, exploring its nature, scope, branches, and functions. The relationship between philosophy and science is critically examined, providing a nuanced understanding of how these fields complement and challenge each other. Building on this base, we journey into the realm of educational philosophy, examining how philosophical principles are applied to define educational aims, design curricula, and shape pedagogical practices.
The diversity of thought within Indian and Western schools of philosophy is a focal point of this text. From the spiritual and holistic insights of Vedic, Buddhist, and Islamic traditions to the pragmatic and idealistic approaches of Western thinkers, this book seeks to illuminate the rich interplay between cultural perspectives and educational practices. Furthermore, the contributions of great philosophers—both Indian and Western—are highlighted, underscoring their enduring influence on contemporary education.
The text is structured to balance theoretical concepts with practical applications, ensuring students not only grasp philosophical ideas but also appreciate their relevance in modern education. Each unit is crafted to meet specific learning outcomes, equipping learners with the critical tools to analyze, evaluate, and apply philosophical principles in educational contexts.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completing this course, students will:
1. Understand the concept, nature, functions, and branches of philosophy.
2. Analyze the interplay between philosophy and science.
3. Comprehend the concept, nature, scope, and functions of educational philosophy.
4. Explore the relationship between philosophy and education.
5. Evaluate various Indian and Western schools of philosophy and their relevance to education.
6. Appreciate the contributions of great philosophers to educational thought.
It is our hope that this book serves as a valuable resource for students, educators, and researchers alike, fostering a deeper appreciation for the integral role of philosophy in shaping education and, by extension, society itself.
Davidson was right when he said that the idea of truth as a goal or norm makes no sense-truth is not something we can aim for, and whenever we say that we aim for truth, what we are really aiming for is some kind of epistemic justification. Nevertheless, the notion of a concern for or with truth can be understood in (at least) three ways that do make sense: (1) it can refer to a philosophical concern with the nature of truth, theories of truth, and related philosophical problems; (2) it can refer to a concern (or aim) for 'strong' justification; and (3) it can refer to an attitude or ideal of truth(fulness). Concern for epistemic justification can be found in the Chinese and Indian philosophical traditions as well, and is probably universal among philosophical and scientific traditions. Assessing the third sense of concern for truth is more complicated, but considering that a lack of desire for the truth of one's theories and ideas seems anathema to science and philosophy, it seems likely that something like this concern is universal among philosophical and scientific traditions as well. Concern with truth in the most literal sense-that is, a philosophical concern with truth in its basic sense as captured in Tarski's schema-appears to be rare, however, and may even be unique to the Western tradition.
Este ensaio promove uma reflexão teórica sobre a possibilidade de se fazer uma sociologia pragmática da moral da política – isto é, uma sociologia da política cujo centro seja sua dimensão moral, tratada como objeto e não como fundamento normativo da análise. A proposta é reconhecer no mapeamento da dimensão dos valores em jogo em uma situação política uma forma de dar conta analiticamente de uma fenomenologia incontornável desse objeto e valorizar a ideia de “comparecimento”, isto é, a forma como elementos dessa situação se colocam nela como variáveis determinantes em sua efetivação. O tratamento coloca entre parêntesis tanto o normativismo apriorístico da chamada sociologia crítica, centrada na ideia de que a dominação é o fenômeno central da realidade social e que a tarefa da disciplina é compreender os mecanismos segundo os quais os dominados são levados a agir conforme desejam os dominadores, quanto a manobra retórica da chamada nova “crítica não normativa”, que propõe que a questão da política é uma economia da despolitização dos fenômenos sociais e que a tarefa da análise consiste em “repolitizá-la” – isto é, devolver a ela um caráter não naturalizado. Adotando-se uma postura radicalmente compreensiva, pragmatista e pragmática segundo a qual o objeto da análise é a forma como os atores eles próprios constroem/operam a dimensão moral da política, torna-se a análise dos fenômenos políticos mais complexa, na medida em que se estuda aquilo que efetivamente comparece nas situações “politizadas” para defini-las com tal e para definir e resolver as controvérsias nelas trazidas à baila.
In this chapter, I describe the nature of my ethnographic field work, produced data and central ethical questions. I briefly explain the specific environment and preconditions for participant observation which has further enabled the collection of multifaceted interview data. The chapter includes discussion about qualitative researchers’ positionality, which elaborates the methodological debate published recently in the field.
This article discusses various philosophical thinking methods that have significantly impacted the implementation of management science. Philosophical schools such as rationalism, empiricism, skepticism, idealism, and pragmatism offer unique perspectives on understanding reality and knowledge and how these can be applied in management practice. This research aims to identify philosophical paradigms that can help mitigate risks in management and comprehensively apply the fundamentals of social science. Through a literature review approach, the results show that philosophical thinking methods enhance managerial flexibility and open space for systematic thinking in decision-making.
ResearchGate has not been able to resolve any references for this publication.