Abstract

This is a fine introduction to the study of pragmatism. It is well written, thoroughly researched, and clearly focused in presenting the history and implications of the core positions of classical and contemporary pragmatists. It is targeted basically for the general college and university student in American and Western Philosophy, the History of Philosophy, and American Studies. Without too much of a stretch, it seems equally suitable for the general reader familiar with some philosophy outside the academic and scholarly community. Also, the author introduces from time to time generally reliable criticisms of core points various authors make. While the selections of pragmatic authors covered are representative of some classical and contemporary pragmatists, some prominent pragmatists did not make the final cut, including Royce, Mead, Lewis, Goodman, Carnap, Reichenbach, Rescher, and van Fraassen. But it is still a good introduction to what all pragmatists have in common, although the ..