Introduction : the pragmatic maxim -- Peirce's early presentation of the maxim -- James's presentation of the maxim -- Peirce's later versions of the maxim -- A composite sketch of the maxim -- Empiricism versus pragmatism -- Measurement and the observer effect -- Perception and action -- Addams and the settlement movement -- Truth, justice, and the American pragmatist way -- Twelve misconceptions of pragmatism -- Conclusion : belief and meaning
Summary
"Burke examines the philosophies of William James and Charles S. Peirce to determine how certain maxims of pragmatism originated. He contrasts pragmatism as a certain set of beliefs or actions with pragmatism as simply a methodology. He unravels the complex history of this philosophical tradition and discusses contemporary conceptions of pragmatism found in current U.S. political discourse and explains what this quintessentially American philosophy means today"--Back cover
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 184-202) and index