Sidney Morgenbesser on the American Pragmatists: Section 2

The American Pragmatists: C.S. Peirce, William James, John Dewey

In this program, Columbia University professor Sidney Morgenbesser discusses the nuances of pragmatic philosophy as expressed by three of America's greatest thinkers. Moranbesser examines Peirce's theory of meaning and the notion of fallibilism that supports the changing nature of truth. James' concept of meaning, knowledge, and truth is examined within the context of the usefulness of particular conceptual schemes. The discussion of Dewey focuses on the human quest for warranted beliefs, and his philosophy of education—a "bottom up" approach that bases instruction on a child's real problems and experiences.

Section 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YK65ooLTqg

Section 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMjI5039C1Q

Section 3:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njwLVD2jkGY

Section 4:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iw2-Ig1lAB0

Section 5:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hh_fjYwGvM

Category:

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Tags:

• Bryan
• Magee
• Sidney
• Morgenbesser
• Pragmatism
• Pragmatists
• John
• Dewey
• William
• James
• C.S.
• Peirce
• Philosophy

[goldhawk509]

Morgenbesser seems to have a very difficult time summarizing these concepts in a simplified but not too simple way. The purpose of these discussions is to throw out and introduce the general concepts and ideas of these philosophers for the non-specialist. Compared to all other guests on Magees progam, I feel that Morgenbesser struggles most in this regard.

[naturphilosophie1]

Did he say "survive in the fondled body of science"? Anyways, despite this confusing presentation, we know what Pragmatism is. Quantum dynamics and relativity reveal a self-enclosed, dynamic, self-differentiating universe. Pragmatism reveals that rational thought i.e. philosophical ideas and concepts, appear analogous to this. Doing science is one way of experiencing the world, doing Philosophy is another and rather than putting faith in scientism, we should have a science of rationality.

[Paraconsistant]

@TheFlanker35 Though Royce influenced many pragmatists, he himself was not one; he was an idealist.

[VVillowz]

@theritz007

Then go and see a lecture. The "british guy" who is Bryan Magee (mind you), is trying to give an introduction to Pragmatism while moderating the discussion for laymen.

[MrRobotoToo]

@TheFlanker35 He comes after Rolls.

[TheFlanker35]

Where's Royce?

[theritz007]

i'd like to see a morgenbesser lecture. it seems like he needs a lot more time to explicate what he's saying and the british guy keeps cutting in and saying dumb shit.

[philosofreek]

My God. Must I analyze the reason

for returning to the core of thought

of these classic thinkers? Darn right,

my "now" sanity is at stake. Simplicity

and value are indespensible. I must

choose, evaluate and construct a

practical plan every day and remain

vigilant to pragmatic style. Sometimes

soooooo hard.

[renaldo999]

Great talk. Thanks for posting.