The topic of history was not a principal theme of the classical American Pragmatists, but in this book Marnie Binder presents the case for a pragmatist philosophy of history, examining supporting material from William James, John Dewey, F.C.S. Schiller, C.S. Peirce, George Herbert Mead, and Jane Addams. While the thinkers explored here have significant differences among themselves, together they provide distinct contributions to a fuller picture of what guides our selective memory and our present attention, and they indicate how this is all maintained via confirmation in the future. Philosophy needs history to help clarify meanings and concepts; part of the methodology of pragmatism is derived from history, as it is attested over time. History needs philosophy to critically analyze historical data; pragmatic interests influence how we study and record history. A Pragmatist Philosophy of History, therefore, provides a rich context for a method that brings the two disciplines together.

About the Author

Marnie Binder is lecturer in philosophy at California State University, Sacramento. She also teaches philosophy and humanities at Cosumnes River College and Golden Gate University.

Book Information
ISBN 9781793653710
Author Marnie Binder
Format Hardback
Page Count 156
Imprint Lexington Books
Publisher Lexington Books
Weight(grams) 399g
Dimensions(mm) 240mm * 156mm * 18mm