The Philosophers: America's philosophy, with Cornel West

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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.

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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.

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Democracy and tradition

Jeffrey Stout

Jeffrey Stout's "Democracy and Tradition" is a significant contribution to contemporary pragmatist thought. Stout explores the relationship between democratic values and the role of tradition in shaping political life. He argues that democratic deliberation requires a commitment to both individual freedom and social responsibility. Stout emphasizes the importance of engaging with tradition in a critical and constructive manner, rejecting both uncritical adherence to tradition and a complete rejection of tradition. The book offers a nuanced and insightful analysis of the challenges and possibilities of democratic life in the contemporary world.

Pragmatism, Relativism, and Irrationalism

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Richard Rorty

Richard Rorty's work, including essays collected under titles like "Consequences of Pragmatism," significantly shaped contemporary pragmatism. Rorty challenged traditional philosophical approaches, advocating for a more contextual and historically sensitive understanding of knowledge and truth. He emphasized the importance of solidarity and community, arguing that philosophical inquiry should be guided by a commitment to social justice and human flourishing. Rorty's work is known for its wit, its accessibility, and its provocative engagement with major philosophical debates. His influence on contemporary pragmatism and political philosophy is undeniable.

Emerson—The Philosopher of Democracy

John Dewey

Solidarity or Objectivity?

Richard Rorty

The Fixation of Belief

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Charles Sanders Peirce

Charles Sanders Peirce's "The Fixation of Belief" is a foundational text in pragmatism. Peirce explores the methods by which people arrive at their beliefs, examining various approaches such as tenacity, authority, and a priori reasoning. He argues that the most reliable method for fixing belief is the scientific method, which involves testing hypotheses through observation and experimentation. The essay lays the groundwork for Peirce's later development of pragmatism, emphasizing the importance of practical consequences in evaluating beliefs. It remains a significant contribution to the philosophy of science and epistemology.

The Quest For Certainty

John Dewey

John Dewey's "The Quest for Certainty" is a critical examination of the human desire for certainty and its implications for knowledge and action. Dewey argues that the pursuit of absolute certainty is a misguided endeavor, hindering intellectual and social progress. He emphasizes the importance of inquiry and the acceptance of uncertainty as essential components of human understanding. The book explores the historical and philosophical roots of the quest for certainty, tracing its influence on various aspects of human life. Dewey's insights into the nature of knowledge and the limitations of certainty remain highly relevant in contemporary philosophical discussions.

The Myth of Sisyphus

Albert Camus

In 'The Myth of Sisyphus', Albert Camus delves into the concept of the absurd, which arises from the conflict between humanity's desire for meaning and the apparent indifference of the universe. Camus argues that this absurdity does not justify suicide but rather requires a revolt against it. He introduces Sisyphus, a figure from Greek mythology condemned to eternally push a boulder up a mountain only for it to roll back down, as the ideal absurd hero. Camus suggests that Sisyphus's acceptance of his fate and his continued effort to push the boulder up the mountain, despite its futility, exemplify the human condition and the possibility of finding happiness in the face of absurdity. The essay also discusses other examples of absurd lives and includes an appendix on the works of Franz Kafka.

Leopardi: Selected Poems

Giacomo Leopardi

This book presents a selection of poems from Leopardi's oeuvre, offering insights into his poetic career and philosophical views. The poems explore themes of nature, beauty, and the human condition, reflecting Leopardi's unique blend of classical and romantic influences.

The phantom public

Walter Lippmann

Republic

Britain's Revolutionary Decade 1649-1660

Alice Hunt

Alice Hunt's 'Republic' is a comprehensive history of the tumultuous decade in England following the English Civil War and the execution of Charles I. The book divides into three parts, focusing on the cultural developments and innovations of the period, including the rise of intellectual life and the formation of the Experimental Philosophy Club, which later became the Royal Society. Hunt provides a balanced view of Oliver Cromwell's role and the eventual restoration of the monarchy, emphasizing that this period was not just an 'interregnum' but a time of significant change and innovation[1][2][3].

The great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald

Published in 1925, 'The Great Gatsby' is a tragic love story, a mystery, and a social commentary on American life during the Jazz Age. The novel is narrated by Nick Carraway, who moves to Long Island and becomes entangled in the lives of his wealthy and mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby, and Gatsby's obsession to win back his first love, Daisy Buchanan. The story delves into themes of honesty, the temptations of wealth, and the struggle to escape the past, ultimately reflecting on the disintegration of the American Dream.

Pragmatism a New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking

William James

In 'Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking', William James presents a series of lectures that define and defend pragmatism as a philosophy. He argues that truth should be evaluated based on its practical utility and consequences, rather than abstract theories. James aims to mediate between idealism and materialism, emphasizing the importance of creative activity and meliorism—the belief that the world can be improved through human action.

Varieties of Religious Experience

William James

This book is a collection of lectures delivered by William James at the University of Edinburgh between 1901 and 1902. It focuses on the personal and subjective aspects of religious experiences, rather than on theology or organized religion. James examines various types of religious experiences, including healthy-mindedness, the sick soul, conversion, mysticism, and saintliness. He emphasizes the importance of feeling and personal experience in religion, arguing that these experiences are the primary source of religious beliefs and practices. The book also discusses the psychological and philosophical implications of these experiences, highlighting their complexity and life-altering nature[2][3][4].

Self-Reliance

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Published in 1841, 'Self-Reliance' is one of Ralph Waldo Emerson's most famous essays. It advocates for individualism, urging readers to trust their own unique powers and intuition rather than conforming to societal norms. Emerson argues that true happiness and fulfillment come from living an authentic, self-reliant life, free from the pressures of conformity and institutionalized religion. The essay is a cornerstone of Transcendentalist philosophy, emphasizing themes such as nonconformity, the authority of the individual, and the importance of personal growth and self-trust[2][4][5].

Sean Illing talks with Cornel West about the American philosophical tradition known as pragmatism. They talk about what makes pragmatism so distinctly American, how pragmatists understand the connection between knowledge and action, and how the pragmatist mindset can invigorate our understanding of democratic life and communal action today. Cornel West also talks about the ways in which pragmatism has influenced his work and life, alongside the blues, Chekhov, and his Christian faith.

This is the third episode of The Philosophers, a new monthly series from Vox Conversations. Each episode will focus on a philosophical figure or school of thought from the past, and discuss how their ideas can help us make sense of our modern world and lives today.

Host: Sean Illing (@seanilling), Interviews writer, Vox

Guest: Cornel West (@CornelWest), author; Dietrich Bonhoeffer professor of philosophy & Christian practice, Union Theological Seminary

References to works by American pragmatists:

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882): "Self-Reliance" (1841)
William James (1842–1910): Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking (1907); The Varieties of Religious Experience (1902); "Is Life Worth Living?" (1895)
Charles Sanders Peirce (1839–1914): "The Fixation of Belief" (1877)
John Dewey (1859–1952): The Quest for Certainty (1929); "Emerson—The Philosopher of Democracy" (1903); The Public and Its Problems (1927)
Richard Rorty (1931–2007): "Pragmatism, Relativism, and Irrationalism" (1979); "Solidarity or Objectivity?" (1989)

Other references:

Cornel West Teaches Philosophy (MasterClass)
The American Evasion of Philosophy: A Genealogy of Pragmatism by Cornel West (Univ. of Wisconsin Press; 1989)
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925)
Plato, Republic (refs. in particular to Book 1 and Book 8)
The Phantom Public by Walter Lippmann (1925)
Leopardi: Selected Poems of Giacomo Leopardi (1798–1837), tr. by Eamon Grennan (Princeton; 1997)
"The Myth of Sisyphus" by Albert Camus (1942; tr. 1955)
Democracy & Tradition by Jeffrey Stout (Princeton; 2003)

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This episode was made by:

Producer: Erikk Geannikis
Editor: Amy Drozdowska
Engineer: Patrick Boyd
Deputy Editorial Director, Vox Talk: Amber Hall

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