PRAGMATISM

Pragmatism is American tradition holding that truth and meaning are determined by practical consequences. Peirce’s pragmatic maxim analyzes meaning through practical effects. James treats truth as “what works.”

Founded late 19th century by Peirce, James, Dewey. Metaphysical Club (1870s) birthplace. Declined mid-20th century. Revived by Rorty (1980s) as neopragmatism.

Charles Sanders Peirce, William James, John Dewey, Richard Rorty, Hilary Putnam, Robert Brandom.

Truth as practical consequences. Anti-foundationalism. Fallibilism. Pluralism. Inquiry as problem-solving. Experimental method. Democracy. Truth as what works.

Shaped American philosophy. Influenced education through Dewey. Contributed to philosophy of science. Relevant to democratic theory. Neopragmatism affected contemporary philosophy.