Pragmatism and Analytic Philosophy Uniquely American Movements? Essay

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document

Total Length: 573 words ( 2 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 1

Page 1 of 2

pragmatism and analytic philosophy uniquely American movements? What elements of American culture (way of life) connect to why those two movements evolved in the U.S. What ideas make them different from the way Europeans of the same period were thinking?

Pragmatism could be called a kind of anti-philosophy. It stresses 'what works' rather than attempts to provide an overarching theory about the nature of the universe. William James, the founder of American pragmatism called ideas 'road maps,' rather than tools that were valuable in and of themselves. Abstract philosophy could not improve human existence. Pragmatists believed that philosophical ideas were valuable based upon the demonstrated benefit that they have to individuals and society, not as metaphysical abstractions.

The concept of pragmatism was well-suited to the American idea that class was an irrational idea, and that hard work should demonstrate one's merit. Proof was in the 'pudding' or the execution, not in the conceptual beauty, symmetry, and coherence of a philosophy, or in a philosophy's relationship with concepts of the philosophers of the past. The lack of emphasis on religion and eternity in pragmatism was also well-suited to American secularism.

Stuck Writing Your "Pragmatism and Analytic Philosophy Uniquely American Movements?" Essay?

View All Our Example Pragmatism and Analytic Philosophy Uniquely American Movements? Essay

Have A Custom Example Essay Written

The definition of an object existed in its utility, not in metaphysics. Pragmatists believed that objects did not have an innate existence apart from their use. (A book, for example, can be an instrument of knowledge, or a stepladder used to reach something off the top shelf).

For pragmatists like James and John Dewey, thinking was a problem-solving method, with a definable, concrete end in the here and now. However, pragmatism had a profoundly compassionate side, as manifested in the ideology of Dewey's educational reforms. Dewey stressed using children's innate gifts to guide the pedagogical….....

Show More ⇣

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Pragmatism And Analytic Philosophy Uniquely American Movements " (2011, May 14) Retrieved May 21, 2025, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/pragmatism-analytic-philosophy-uniquely-50914

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Pragmatism And Analytic Philosophy Uniquely American Movements " 14 May 2011. Web.21 May. 2025. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/pragmatism-analytic-philosophy-uniquely-50914>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Pragmatism And Analytic Philosophy Uniquely American Movements ", 14 May 2011, Accessed.21 May. 2025,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/pragmatism-analytic-philosophy-uniquely-50914
   

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document
order custom essay example