Jeffrey Howard

An image of the pragmatist philosopher William James sitting on a stone wall talking with the philosopher Josiah Royce.

Pragmatism is an uncertain and pluralistic philosophy, but its malleability and modesty make it an incredibly hope-filled approach to life. (Image of philosophers William James and Josiah Royce in conversation.)

Blog Philosophy

What Do I Hope from Pragmatism?

November 15, 2022January 4, 2023 5 min read Jeffrey Howard Hope, John Dewey, Meliorism, Pragmatism, Richard Rorty, William James

Pragmatism is an uncertain and pluralistic philosophy, but its malleability and modesty make it an incredibly hope-filled approach to life.

The pragmatist podcast Damn the Absolute! returns for Season Two.

Season Two of the pragmatist podcast Damn the Absolute! will be released later this week with guest philosopher Jessica Wahman discussing the metaphorical nature of scientific knowledge.

Blog

Damn the Absolute! – The Pragmatist Podcast Returns with Season Two

February 14, 2022January 4, 2023 8 min read Jeffrey Howard Announcements

Season Two of the pragmatist podcast Damn the Absolute! will be released later this week with guest philosopher Jessica Wahman discussing the metaphorical nature of scientific knowledge.

A stylized portrait of pragmatist philosopher William James.

William James offers a way to evaluate the fruitfulness of ideas by tethering them to the common ground of lived experience.

Essays Philosophy

The Power of One Idea

June 24, 2020March 9, 2023 17 min read Jeffrey Howard Emotional Well-Being, Essential Reading, Pragmatism, William James

William James offers a way to evaluate the fruitfulness of ideas by tethering them to the common ground of lived experience.

Choosing Pessimism Over Romanticism Review The School of Life Sean Kong Erraticus

Essays Psychology

‘The School of Life’ Preaches Pessimism over Romanticism

November 5, 2019April 17, 2021 13 min read Jeffrey Howard Emotional Intelligence, Emotional Well-Being, Emotions, Romanticism, Schooling

‘The School of Life’ is on a crusade to avail us of our emotional ignorance. Philosopher Alain De Botton seeks to remedy the shortcomings of contemporary education systems and the institutions that have failed to instruct us in how to approach the big questions in life.