Classical pragmatism
United States, from the late nineteenth century
Peirce proposed clarifying concepts through their conceivable practical effects. James and Dewey extended the programme in different directions.
Historical context
Pragmatism took shape in the United States in the late nineteenth century. Peirce proposed a rule of conceptual clarification, which James popularised and Dewey extended toward problems of inquiry and education.
Overview
To clarify an idea, identify what experiences or actions would be conceivable if it applied. This can distinguish a disagreement with consequences for inquiry from one that depends only on vocabulary.
Main claims
Conceivable practical consequences help clarify a concept’s content.
Practical consequences
Peirce’s pragmatic maxim clarifies concepts through their conceivable practical effects.
Interpretation for comparison · Pragmatism · Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Experience and knowledge
Classical pragmatism connects inquiry with revising beliefs through experience.
Interpretation for comparison · Pragmatism · Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Debates and nuances
Pragmatists differ on truth, inquiry, and the relationship between belief and action.
The assessment compares only the positions documented in this entry.