Abstract
Is there a distinctive American philosophy of the twentieth century? If so, what are its defining features or constitutive attributes? Krikorian, who himself has helped to shape and steer American philosophy, answers Yes to the first question and gives a clear and revealing answer to the second. He declares bluntly that "whereas continental philosophy is existential and British philosophy is analytical, American philosophy is empirical." Acknowledging, then, that the empirical temper "is not something that belongs exclusively to America," he pinpoints the brand of empiricism that is dominant in the United States. Empiricism in America, as Krikorian sees it, is the view which favors "objectively and socially verifiable pronouncements," or "confirmation through demonstrable evidence." It applies this criterion in value experience as well as in science, business, and technology. It contains within it threads of pragmatism, experimentalism, realism, naturalism, functionalism, temporalism, logical positivism, and phenomenology.