Pragmatism and Poetic Agency: The Persistence of Humanism

Pragmatism is a humanist philosophy that has been attacked and criticized, but it has persisted in a particular understanding of humanism. Pragmatism and Poetic Agency seeks to elucidate this persistence by bringing literary studies, philosophy, and intellectual history together and establishing a transatlantic theoretical dialogue. Schulenberg argues that one can only grasp the unique contemporary significance of pragmatism when one realizes how pragmatism, humanism, anti-authoritarianism, and postmetaphysics are interlinked, seeing pragmatism's antifoundationalist and antirepresentationalist story of progress and emancipation as continuing the project of the Enlightenment.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 236 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Pragmatism, a humanist philosophy, has garnered significant attention despite ongoing debates about its renaissance. However, a comprehensive exploration of the interplay between pragmatism and humanism remains a pressing need. Understanding pragmatism's complexity requires considering the profound significance of humanism. Since the 1970s, liberal versions of humanism have faced vehement attacks and criticism. Nevertheless, pragmatism has maintained a distinct perspective on humanism. Pragmatism and Poetic Agency, a groundbreaking work, brings together literary studies, philosophy, and intellectual history to establish a transatlantic theoretical dialogue. Its objective is to elucidate the persistence of humanism within pragmatism. Building upon his previous monographs, Schulenberg argues that comprehending the unique contemporary relevance of pragmatism necessitates recognizing the interconnectedness of pragmatism, humanism, anti-authoritarianism, and postmetaphysics. By appreciating the implications and consequences of this interconnection, one gains a deeper understanding of pragmatism's antifoundationalist and antirepresentationalist narrative of progress and emancipation, which continues the project of the Enlightenment.

Weight: 458g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032122434