Pragmatism · Question
How does Pragmatism develop the theme of Pragmatic Method?
Answer
Pragmatism by William James develops Pragmatic Method across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The meaning of any concept or proposition is determined by tracing its practical consequences and effects on conduct and experience.
The dedication explicitly credits Mill for teaching the 'pragmatic openness of mind,' a core aspect of the pragmatic method.
The chapter introduces the pragmatic method as a way to clarify ideas by tracing their practical consequences.
James introduces the pragmatic method as a way to resolve philosophical disputes by tracing their practical consequences, though the method is not fully elaborated until later lectures.
Evidence in the book
- Dedication
The dedication explicitly credits Mill for teaching the 'pragmatic openness of mind,' a core aspect of the pragmatic method.
- Pragmatism
The chapter introduces the pragmatic method as a way to clarify ideas by tracing their practical consequences.
- Lecture I: The Present Dilemma in Philosophy
James introduces the pragmatic method as a way to resolve philosophical disputes by tracing their practical consequences, though the method is not fully elaborated until later lectures.
- Lecture II: What Pragmatism Means
James introduces Peirce's principle: the meaning of an idea is found in its practical effects, and disputes without practical difference are meaningless.
- Lecture III: Some Metaphysical Problems Pragmatically Considered
James demonstrates the pragmatic method by applying it to the substance problem and the materialism vs. theism debate, showing that the meaning of concepts lies in their practical consequences.
- Lecture IV: The One and the Many
James applies the pragmatic method to the problem of the one and the many, asking what practical difference the oneness of the world makes.
- Lecture V: Pragmatism and Common Sense
James applies the pragmatic method to evaluate the hypothesis of absolute oneness and to examine the growth of knowledge through experience.
- Lecture VIII: Pragmatism and Religion
Applied to the concept of possibility and religious hypotheses, focusing on practical consequences and the meaning of terms like 'possible' and 'salvation'.
