100 Years of Pragmatism

"This collection of essays uses the recent centenary of William James's Pragmatism (1907) as the occasion for a series of reflections on the continued relevance of James's elaboration of pragmatism. The essays range from considerations of the historical and cultural significance of James's work in the context of American culture in the 100 years since its publication (James T. Kloppenberg, 'James's Pragmatism and American Culture, 1907-2007' and Mark Bauerlein, 'The Enemies of Pragmatism') to assessments of James's philosophical significance in the context of the broader history of philosophy (Richard M. Gale's 'The Deconstruction of Traditional Philosophy in William James's Pragmatism' and Ross Posnock's 'The Earth Must Resume Its Rights: A Jamesian Genealogy of Immaturity') to essays considering more systematic concerns in epistemology, political philosophy, and ethics. The final two essays consider possible futures for James's version of pragmatism. Overall, this volume consists of well-written essays that ought to prompt a thoughtful reconsideration of William James's thought and its place in American culture. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty/researchers. — Choice"—C. R. McCall, Elmira College, October 2010

"Overall, this volume consists of well-written essays that ought to prompt a thoughtful reconsideration of William James's thought and its place in American culture. . . . Recommended.October 2010, Vol. 48, No. 2"—Choice

"A well-balanced, interdisciplinary critical assessment of the ways that James understood pragmatism and the ways that understanding is still valid, helpful, and in need of revision and amplification for today's culture and contemporary needs."—Richard Shusterman, Florida Atlantic University