Single Idea 14795

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / D. Empiricism / 3. Pragmatism]

Full Idea

Pragmatism is no doctrine of metaphysics, no attempt to determine the truth of things. It is merely a method of ascertaining the meanings of hard words and of abstract concepts.

Gist of Idea

Pragmatism is a way of establishing meanings, not a theory of metaphysics or a set of truths

Source

Charles Sanders Peirce (Pragmatism in Retrospect [1906], p.271)

Book Reference

Peirce,Charles Sanders: 'Philosophical Writings of Peirce', ed/tr. Buchler,Justus [Dover 1940], p.271


A Reaction

Suddenly I recognise a prominent strand of modern philosophy of language (especially in America) for what it is.