The Gray Area with Sean Illing

The Philosophers: America's philosophy, with Cornel West

6 snips
May 23, 2022
Cornel West, a prominent author and professor at Union Theological Seminary, dives deep into the roots of American pragmatism. He discusses how this philosophical approach connects knowledge to action, emphasizing its role in fostering democracy and addressing social justice. West intertwines his insights with influences like blues music and his own Christian beliefs. The conversation explores the importance of community engagement, contrasting views on democracy, and the significance of hope in navigating the complexities of human nature.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Pragmatism and Catastrophe

  • Cornel West was drawn to pragmatism because it addresses catastrophe and suffering, which aligns with his blues-influenced perspective.
  • He finds that modern philosophy often prioritizes scientific clarity over humanistic aspects like history and narrative.
INSIGHT

Pragmatism's American Roots

  • American pragmatism emerged as the US grappled with its identity as a pluralistic democracy.
  • It emphasizes futurity and possibility, influenced by the energy and zeal of a new nation.
INSIGHT

Pragmatism as Self-Explanation

  • Pragmatism attempts to explain America to itself by emphasizing the new while acknowledging the inescapable influence of the past.
  • This approach allows for self-fashioning and creativity while also emphasizing accountability and reason.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app