Stoic Pragmatism

Description

John Lachs, one of American philosophy's most distinguished interpreters, turns to William James, Josiah Royce, Charles S. Peirce, John Dewey, and George Santayana to elaborate stoic pragmatism, or a way to live life within reasonable limits. Stoic pragmatism makes sense of our moral obligations in a world driven by perfectionist human ambition and unreachable standards of achievement. Lachs proposes a corrective to pragmatist amelioration and stoic acquiescence by being satisfied with what is good enough. This personal, yet modest, philosophy offers penetrating insights into the American way of life and our human character.

Promotion info

Attempts to define a philosophy of moral limits

Reviews

"A direct attack on fundamentalisms of all sorts and on aggressive fanaticisms... Lachs's recommendations for philosophy and for life are rooted in a deeply thought-out individualism that is not individualistic... a program for philosophy and a program for life." Robert E. Innis, University of Massachusetts Lowell "Lachs uses his interpretations and assessments of leading philosophical figures to craft and express his own original outlook." Jessica Wahman, Dickinson College

Author description

John Lachs is Centennial Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University.

Table of contents

Acknowledgments Introduction 1. What Can Philosophy Do to Make Life Better? 2. Stoic Pragmatism 3. Infinite Obligations 4. An Ontology for Stoic Pragmatism Epilogue: The Personal Value and Social Usefulness of Philosophy