The Critical Pragmatism of Alain Locke: A Reader on Value Theory, Aesthetics, Community, Culture, Race, and Education

by Leonard Harris, Nancy Fraser, Astrid Franke, Sally J. Scholz Villanova University, Mark Helbling

Overview

This book provides a comprehensive overview of Alain Locke's pragmatist philosophy. It aims to capture the radical implications of Locke's approach within pragmatism, the critical temper embedded in Locke's works, the central role of power and empowerment of the oppressed, and the concept of broad democracy Locke employed.

Arguing that the school of thought Locke initiated is best described as critical pragmatism, the well-known philosopher and Locke scholar, Leonard Harris, provides a clear and thorough introduction to Locke's thought that will be useful to students and scholars alike.

At a time when critical theory in all forms—post-Marxist, legal, race, and gender theory—is undergoing a major reassessment, this volume is especially timely. Locke's critical pragmatism arguably avoids the pitfalls of critical theory, anticipates its tremendous contribution to human liberation, and offers an alternative to the limitations of classical pragmatism. This volume introduces unique individual interpretations of Locke and critical reflections on his philosophy. Each author, in the spirit of Locke's critical temper, offers their own contribution to extremely difficult issues.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780847688081
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	04/15/1999
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	384
Product dimensions:	6.04(w) x 9.12(h) x 0.79(d)

About the Author

Leonard Harris is professor of philosophy and director of the African American Studies and Research Center at Purdue University. Among his numerous books are The Philosophy of Alain Locke: Harlem Renaissance and Beyond, Philosophy Born of Struggle: An Anthology of Afro-American Philosophy from 1917, and most recently The Conception of Racism.

Table of Contents

Part 1 Part I: Critical Pragmatism and Value Theory Chapter 2 Another Pragmatism: Alain Locke, Critical "Race" Theory, and the Politics of Culture Chapter 3 Struggling with Stereotypes: The Problems of Representing a Collective Identity Chapter 4 Values and Language: Toward a Theory of Translation for Alain Locke Chapter 5 African Art and the Harlem Renaissance: Alain Locke, Melville Herskovits, Roger Fry, Albert C. Barnes Chapter 6 Alain Lockes' Multicultural Philosophy of Value: A Transformative Guide for the Twenty-First Century Part 7 Part II: Aesthetics Chapter 8 Pragmatist Aesthetics: Roots and Radicalism Chapter 9 Alain Locke, Essentialism, and the Notion of a Black Aesthetic Chapter 10 Aesthetics and the Issue of Identity Chapter 11 Open-Textured Aesthetic Boundaries: Matters of Art, Race, and Culture Part 12 Part III: Community and Culture Chapter 13 Two Lockes, Two Keys: Tolerance and Reciprocity in a Culture of Democracy Chapter 14 Alain Locke and Walt Whitman: Manifestos and National Identity Chapter 15 Alain Locke: Philosophical "Midwife" of the Harlem Renaissance Chapter 16 Alain Locke: A Sociocultural Conception of Race Chapter 17 Instrumental Relativism and Cultivated Pluralism: Alain Locke and Philosophy's Quest for a Common World Part 18 Part IV: Edification and Education Chapter 19 Adult Education and Democratic Values: Alain Locke on the Nature and Purpose of Adult Education for African Americans Chapter 20 Alain Locke and His Contributions to Black Studies Chapter 21 Andragogy and the Education of African American Adults Chapter 22 Alain Locke: A Paradigm for Transformative Education—Addressing the Relationship of Knowledge to Social Concerns Part 23 Part V: Paradoxes, Dilemmas, and Critiques Chapter 24 Values, Imperatives, and the Imperative of Democratic Values Chapter 25 Meaning in an Epistemic System Chapter 26 Alain Locke: Critical Relativism and Multicultural Education Part 27 Part VI: Postscript Chapter 28 Alain Locke Remembered

Editorial Reviews

A valuable anthology suitable for those interested in the serious study of pragmatism or Alain Locke.

Ethics: An International Journal of Social

Twenty-two essays explore the philosophical implications of the work of Alain Locke<-->a figure often associated with the Harlem Renaissance. Locke's pragmatism is discussed as it relates to cultural politics, aesthetics, theories of value, and education. Among the topics presented are how Locke's thought differed from other pragmatists such as Dewey, Mead, and Addams; his approach to representation; his model of multicultural cooperation; and the relation of his ideas to those of W. E. B. Du Bois. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

A valuable anthology suitable for those interested in the serious study of pragmatism or Alain Locke.

Ethics: An International Journal of Social