British Empiricism and American Pragmatism: New Directions and Neglected Arguments

by Robert J. Roth

Overview

This volume contributes to the remarkable resurgence in interest for American pragmatism and its proponents, William James, C.S. Peirce, and John Dewey, by focusing on the influence of British empiricism, especially the philosophies of Locker and Hume, and the sharp differences between the two traditions. It is Roth’s contention that American pragmatism, sometimes called America’s first “indigenous” philosophy, something significant to say philosophically, not only America, but for the world. Heretofore, the lines of development and divergence between British empiricism and American pragmatism have not been sufficiently developed.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780823213924
Publisher:	Fordham University Press
Publication date:	01/01/1993
Pages:	205
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)
Lexile:	1290L (what's this?)

About the Author

Robert J. Roth is a Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Fordham University. His publications include John Dewey and Self-Realization, American Religious Philosophy, and British Empiricism and American Pragmaticism.

Editorial Reviews

Clearly written, thoroughly researched, intelligently organized . . .

International Philosophical Quarterly

This volume comprises revisions of Roth's previously published articles, tied together as a comparison of the empiricisms of Locke and Hume with the pragmatisms of Peirce, James, and Dewey. The chapters "Experience," "Cause and Effect, and Necessary Connection," and "Personal Identity" each summarize and discuss the five philosphers' views on the topic. The longest two chapters treat separately the moral, social, and political theories of the empiricists (Ch. 4) and the pragmatists (Ch. 5). Roth indicates the advances pragmatic empiricism makes over classical empiricism, while calling both inadequate. His statement that the question of personal identity had to be addressed first, with careful exclusion of the other dimensions of the person, before taking up social questions is a telling clue for understanding Roth's conclusion that the pragmatists' (primarily Dewey's) social self is too narrow and that the moral concept of obligation ultimately requires the creative activity of God and a renewed natural law theory. Accessible to undergraduates.

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