Bøker i American Philosophy-serien

Explores the theories of democratic individualism articulated in the works of the American transcendentalist writer Ralph Waldo Emerson, pragmatic philosophers William James and John Dewey, and African-American novelist and essayist Ralph Ellison.

First book to address directly the importance of education in Cavell's work

What could it mean to speak of philosophy as ¿the education of grownups¿? This book takes Stanley Cavell¿s much-quoted, yet enigmatic phrase as the provocation for a series of explorations into themes of education that run throughout his work ¿ through his response to Wittgenstein, Austin and ordinary language philosophy, through his readings of Thoreau and of the moral perfectionism he identifies with Emerson, through his discussions of literature and film. Hilary Putnam has described Cavell not only as one of the most creative thinkers of today but as amongst the few contemporary philosophers to explore the territory of philosophy as education. Yet in mainstream philosophy his work is apt to be referred to rather than engaged with, and the full import of his writings for education is still to be appreciated. Cavell engages in a sustained exploration of the nature of philosophy, and this is not separable from his preoccupation with what it is to teach and to learn, with the kinds of transformation these might imply, and with the significance of these things for our language and politics, for our lives as a whole.In recent years Cavell¿s work has been the subject of a number of books of essays, but this is the first to address directly the importance of education in his work. Such matters cannot fail to be of significance not only for the disciplinary fields of philosophy and education, but in politics, literature, and film studies ¿ and in the humanities as a whole. A substantial introduction provides an overview of the philosophical purchase of questions of education in his work, while the essays are framed by two new pieces by Cavell himself. The book shows what it means to read Cavell, and simultaneously what it means to read philosophically, in itself a part of our education as grownups.

Explains Thoreau's philosophical significance and argues that we can still learn from his polemical conception of philosophy

Now back in print, and in paperback, these two classic volumes illustrate the scope and quality of Royce'sthought, providing the most comprehensive selection ofhis writings currently available.

These two volumes illustrate the scope and quality of Royce's thought, providing comprehensive selection of his writings. They offer a detailed presentation of the viable relationship Royce forged between the local experience of community and the demands of a philosophical and scientific vision of the human situation.

Places Levinas in the context of American philosophy

How is pragmatism to be understood? What has been its cultural and philosophical impact? Is it a crucial resource for current problems and for life and thought in the future? This book addresses these questions, situating them in personal, philosophical, political, American, and global contexts.

A bold examination of questions about whiteness and race

Comedy, from social ridicule to the laughter of the carnival, provides effective tools for reinforcing social patterns of domination and weapons for emancipation. This book states that comic trumps liberal accounts of freedom by drawing attention to bodies and intimate relationships, topics which are usually neglected by political philosophy.

John Dewey, widely known as "America's philosopher," surprisingly never set down a complete moral or ethical philosophy. Showing that Dewey's ethics are compatible with the rest of his philosophy, this work corrects the reputation of American pragmatism as a philosophy committed to skepticism and relativism.

Although Josiah Royce was one of the towering figures of American pragmatism, his thought is often considered in the wake of his more famous peers. This book offers a philosophical exploration of Royce's ideas on conflict resolution, memory, self-identity, and self-development.

Deals with the place of the individual and community in democratic society. Mapping out a brief history of American legal thinking regarding rights, from communitarianism to liberalism, this book gives an account of how pragmatism worked to resolve conflicts of self-interest and community well-being.

Explores the theme of friendship in the lives and works of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. This title offers a comprehensive view of how Emerson's and Thoreau's friendships took root and bolstered their individual political, social, and ethical projects.

Pragmatism has been called 'the chief glory of our country's intellectual tradition' by its supporters and 'a dog's dinner' by its detractors. Acknowledging pragmatism's direct ties to American imperialism and expansionism, this title considers the role pragmatism plays, for better or worse, in discussions of nationalism, war, race, and community.