Pragmatists emphasize the relational nature of truth, derived from consensus and rational inquiry.
Pragmatism challenges the notion of accessing foundational truths directly, highlighting the role of inference.
Deep dives
Introduction to Pragmatism and Views on Certainty
Late 19th to early 20th-century Western thinkers grapple with the concept of certainty, questioning traditional methodologies. Pragmatists like Sanders Peirce and William James seek a middle ground between differing perspectives. They critique previous approaches and explore new paths, emphasizing the relationship between certainty and truth.
Rejection of Solipsism and Foundationalism
Pragmatists reject solipsism, the belief 'I think, therefore I am,' arguing that certainty about internal or external realities is inherently inferential. They challenge the notion of accessing foundational truths beyond inference. Rejecting the idea of direct experience devoid of inference, they emphasize the mediating role of inference in cognition.
Concept of Truth and Convergence Theory
Pragmatists propose the convergence theory of truth, defining truth as the consensus reached through rational inquiry over time. Truth, for them, emerges from the convergence of multiple perspectives and inferences. They view truth as a tool rooted in social processes and actions, aligned with favorable outcomes rather than foundational certainties.