Philosophy

While some pragmatists, including William James (right), argue truth is malleable and constantly changing, logician Charles Sanders Peirce (left) asserts it is our knowledge of truth that is variable, not truth itself.

Truth as Pragmatism’s Only Hope

November 28, 2022November 30, 2022 6 min read Jon Alan Schmidt Blog, Charles Sanders Peirce, Hope, Pragmatism, Truth, William James

Although some pragmatists argue truth is malleable and constantly changing, logician Charles Sanders Peirce asserts it is our knowledge of truth that is variable, not truth itself.

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.)

What Do I Hope from Pragmatism?

November 15, 2022November 30, 2022 5 min read Jeffrey Howard Blog, Hope, John Dewey, 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.

A romantic oil painting featuring the pragmatist philosophers John Dewey and Richard Rorty sitting next to gentle streams multiplying away from them into the background.

Contrasting with hope in a fixed or eternal order, pragmatists John Dewey and Richard Rorty connect hope to continual growth and conversation.

Dewey and Rorty: Sending Pragmatist Hopes in New Directions

November 3, 2022November 4, 2022 18 min read Nick Gall Hope, John Dewey, Pragmatism, Richard Rorty, William James

Contrasting with hope in a fixed or eternal order, pragmatists John Dewey and Richard Rorty connect hope to continual growth and conversation.

A romantic oil painting of three Victorian women overlooking majestic mountain peaks.

While pragmatists accept the tragic and boundless nature of a constantly changing and foundationless reality, William James offers hope in a naturalized theism.

What Can Pragmatists Hope for in a Boundless World?

October 27, 2022November 4, 2022 20 min read Nick Gall Charles Sanders Peirce, Chauncey Wright, Hope, Pragmatism, William James

While pragmatists accept the tragic and boundless nature of a constantly changing and foundationless reality, William James offers hope in a naturalized theism.

A pebble beach with waves in the background, Black Rock Beach on Block Island where Megan Craig visited following the death of her long-time mentor and friend, the pragmatist philosopher Richard Bernstein.

A long-time friend and former student of the eminent pragmatist philosopher Richard Bernstein reflects on her mentor's commitment to pluralism and love of children.

A Wishing Stone for Dick

August 9, 2022August 9, 2022 13 min read Megan Craig Children, Death, Loss, Pragmatism

A long-time friend and former student of the eminent pragmatist philosopher Richard Bernstein reflects on her mentor’s commitment to pluralism and love of children.

Painting by Edvard Munch with a young ill woman seated, looking out a window during spring, accompanied by a woman providing her comfort.

("Spring" by Edvard Munch, 1889)

Should We Take Comfort in the Knowledge Others Have it Worse?

October 21, 2021October 21, 2021 21 min read Sam Woolfe Buddhism, Consolation, Schopenhauer, Stoicism, Suffering

While the phrase “It could be worse” can provide us comfort, it may lead to less effective and less ethical forms of consolation.

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