Sidney Morgenbesser on the American Pragmatists: Section 3

Summary

This insightful discussion explores the philosophical contributions of William James and John Dewey, focusing on their pragmatic views of truth and their engagement with public life. James’ perspective on truth, emphasizing its link to verification and practical action, is examined, along with critiques of his notion of 'satisfaction' as central to truth. The conversation also highlights Dewey’s naturalist approach, his critique of dualisms, and his active involvement in social and political issues. Both philosophers are praised for their intellectual depth and their lasting influence on American philosophy.

Takeaways

• 😀 William James's view on conceptual schemes is focused on localized, not total, schemes and the compatibility of descriptions.
• 😀 James suggests that the difference between a sentence and its truth value is subtle, often questioning whether stating a sentence as true adds any significant meaning.
• 😀 James is interested in the evaluative use of the term 'truth,' considering it a way to say a sentence is worthy of belief or is rational to believe.
• 😀 One criticism of James’s approach is his use of 'satisfaction' in connection with truth, which many argue is misleading because it pertains to rationality, not truth itself.
• 😀 James’s view on truth tends toward verification or satisfaction: truth can be identified with verifiability or the verification process.
• 😀 The gap between truth and verification might disappear or be identified in certain contexts, according to James’s philosophy.
• 😀 James is praised for his writing style, considered one of the great philosophical writers with an imaginative, creative approach.
• 😀 William James is admired as a great intellectual figure in the history of philosophy, recognized for his contributions to psychology, metaphysics, and pragmatism.
• 😀 John Dewey, a significant philosopher, focused on applying philosophical principles to social and political issues, advocating for a naturalist approach.
• 😀 Dewey was influential in attacking dualisms and stressed the need for philosophers to engage with public life and practical matters, not just abstract ideas.
• 😀 Dewey's work is notable for its engagement with both philosophical theory and practical concerns, particularly in social and political spheres.

Q & A

What is the focus of the discussion in the transcript?

The transcript focuses on philosophical discussions about truth, language, and the contributions of key philosophers such as William James, Charles Sanders Peirce, and John Dewey. The key topics include the nature of truth, the relationship between belief and verification, and the role of philosophers in public life.

What is the main concern regarding truth as discussed in the transcript?

The main concern is the difference between a sentence being true and the sentence 'is true.' It questions whether the addition of 'true' adds anything substantive or merely reflects a commendatory value or belief. James' theory on truth involves verification, but the transcript suggests his treatment of 'satisfaction' as an evaluative predicate is misleading.

What does William James contribute to the philosophy of truth in the transcript?

William James is shown as exploring the connection between truth and verification, proposing that the gap between the two could disappear under certain conditions. His philosophy also suggests that truth can be identified with what is verifiable or leads to satisfactory results in action. However, his use of 'satisfaction' is criticized as being disconnected from truth itself.

What critique is raised about James' theory of truth in the discussion?

The critique centers on James' use of the concept of 'satisfaction,' which is said to have little to do with truth. It may relate more to the rationality of belief and action, but not necessarily to the truthfulness of a statement.

How does the transcript describe William James as a writer?

William James is described as one of the great writers in the history of philosophy. His writing is praised for being imaginative, full of surprise, and marked by striking metaphors and similes. The transcript highlights that reading his works is a pleasurable experience, with his writing often compared to that of his brother, Henry James.

What is said about Charles Sanders Peirce in the transcript?

Charles Sanders Peirce is recognized as an intellectual giant, with the transcript noting his significant contributions to logic, inquiry, and metaphysics. He is described as a person of great intellectual depth, and his work is associated with the philosophical vigor of America.

What philosophical stance does John Dewey take according to the transcript?

John Dewey is portrayed as a philosopher deeply engaged with public life and opposed to dualisms. His work is centered on naturalism, with a focus on practical applications, including social and political issues. He is described as a liberal, a kind man, and a philosopher with a broad range of interests.

What was the significance of Dewey's contributions to philosophy as highlighted in the transcript?

Dewey is recognized for applying his philosophical naturalism to practical issues, such as social and political analysis. His work emphasizes the importance of philosophy in everyday life and its relevance to addressing real-world challenges, making him a pivotal figure in American philosophy.

What does the transcript suggest about the relationship between philosophy and public life?

The transcript highlights that Dewey believed philosophers should not only engage in academic inquiry but should also be actively involved in public life. His philosophy goes beyond theoretical concerns, applying to real-world issues, particularly in the realms of social reform and political engagement.

How does Bertrand Russell view John Dewey in the transcript?

Bertrand Russell expresses admiration for Dewey, acknowledging his intellectual significance. However, Russell also notes that he disagrees with some of Dewey's specific philosophical views. Despite their disagreements, Russell's respect for Dewey's contributions is evident.