The Pragmatist Challenge: Pragmatist Metaphysics for Philosophy of Science

The Pragmatist Challenge presents a programmatic approach to philosophy of science and metaphysics, exploring how pragmatism can be used to re-frame entrenched debates and offer more fruitful paths forward. It offers a dual vision of pragmatism, demonstrating specific pragmatist views and elucidating the general shape of a pragmatist approach. The chapters are synoptic in scope and offer a new approach to constructively reframing other discussions, ready to be applied to new specific topics. Pragmatism is especially potent at the interface between methodological and applied questions in sciences and the underlying ontological or metaphysical commitments.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 23 February 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The Pragmatist Challenge presents a comprehensive programmatic framework for adopting a pragmatist perspective on various philosophical topics, including philosophy of science and metaphysics. Pragmatism encompasses a set of specific viewpoints as well as a general approach that can be applied to diverse subjects. In the context of philosophy of science and metaphysics, pragmatism offers a valuable approach to address entrenched debates and re-frame them in ways that transcend traditional dichotomies and pave the way for more fruitful discussions.

Each chapter in this volume explores a dual vision of pragmatism. On the one hand, specific pragmatist views are developed, showcasing how to adopt a distinctively pragmatist approach to specific issues or subfields. On the other hand, the general shape of what it means to take a pragmatist approach is elucidated, providing a comprehensive understanding of this philosophical approach. The chapters are designed to be synoptic in scope, offering a comprehensive overview of pragmatism. Collectively, they provide a novel approach that can be employed to constructively reframe other discussions, making them ready to be applied to new and specific topics.

Pragmatism serves as a particularly powerful tool that bridges the gap between methodological and applied questions originating from the sciences and the underlying ontological or metaphysical commitments that underpin or support the methodological discussions. The primary objective of this volume is to articulate a diverse range of ways to be a pragmatist without being bound to a single specific set of -isms, thereby enabling its utilization across different discussions. The chapters present a heterogeneous yet programmatic approach to pragmatism.

In conclusion, The Pragmatist Challenge offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of pragmatism, providing a valuable framework for adopting a pragmatic approach to philosophy of science and metaphysics. By presenting specific pragmatist views and elucidating the general shape of pragmatism, the volume facilitates the re-framing of entrenched debates and offers new avenues for fruitful discussions. Pragmatism's versatility and power make it an essential tool for those seeking to navigate the complexities of these philosophical domains.

Weight: 390g
Dimension: 223 x 145 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198805458