John Rawls and American Pragmatism: Between Engagement and Avoidance

John Rawls' thinking is more influenced by American pragmatists than commonly recognized, and his alleged pragmatic turn should be interpreted as un-pragmatic, according to Daniele Botti's book "John Rawls and American Pragmatism: Between Engagement and Avoidance." This book challenges a widely held interpretation of Rawls' intellectual trajectory and offers a new understanding of American philosophical vicissitude in the second half of the twentieth century.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

The textual and contextual connections between John Rawls' intellectual figure and American pragmatism, a philosophical movement encompassing various schools of thought, have gained increasing attention in recent years. This interest can be attributed, in part, to the perceived shift in Rawls' intellectual trajectory, from his seminal work "A Theory of Justice" (1971) to "Political Liberalism" (1993). In response to these discussions, Daniele Botti presents "John Rawls and American Pragmatism: Between Engagement and Avoidance," a book that makes two unconventional claims supported by archival research.

Firstly, Botti argues that Rawls' thinking is more indebted to the views of American pragmatists than is commonly acknowledged. He suggests that Rawls' philosophical framework, characterized by his emphasis on the social contract and the veil of ignorance, draws heavily from the pragmatic tradition of American philosophy. Botti challenges the prevailing narrative that portrays Rawls' pragmatic turn as a significant departure from his earlier philosophical work and instead presents it as a misinterpretation.

Secondly, Botti proposes a reinterpretation of Rawls' pragmatic turn in light of the pragmatic sources of his thinking. He suggests that rather than viewing Rawls' shift as a pragmatic one, it should be understood as a response to the challenges posed by the complex and rapidly changing social and political landscape of the second half of the twentieth century. By positioning Rawls as an American pragmatist, Botti aims to transform not only a widely held interpretation of Rawls' intellectual trajectory but also our understanding of American philosophical vicissitudes during this period.

Through meticulous archival research and a thoughtful analysis of Rawls' writings, Botti presents a compelling case for interpreting Rawls as an American pragmatist. He demonstrates how Rawls' philosophical ideas align with the pragmatic principles of experimentation, adaptation, and practical reasoning, which are central to the pragmatic tradition. Botti also highlights the influence of American pragmatists such as Charles Sanders Peirce, William James, and John Dewey on Rawls' thought, emphasizing their emphasis on the importance of pragmatism in addressing real-world problems and fostering social progress.

In conclusion, "John Rawls and American Pragmatism: Between Engagement and Avoidance" offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between John Rawls and American pragmatism. By challenging the conventional narrative and reinterpreting Rawls' pragmatic turn in light of the pragmatic sources of his thinking, Botti provides a profound transformation of our understanding of Rawls' intellectual trajectory and the broader philosophical landscape of American philosophy in the second half of the twentieth century. This book is a valuable contribution to the ongoing discussions about the relevance and impact of Rawls' ideas in contemporary society.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 152 x 288 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781498598330