Abstract

This collection honors William James - arguably the most famous American philosopher - as an eminent scholar and the father of pragmatism. Moreover, it examines the impact of pragmatism on various disciplines in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, engaging in a discourse that breaks new ground and advances new perspectives in theoretical debates that still seem to be largely dominated by European traditions. As with James's work itself, whose interdisciplinary character has inspired work especially in philosophy, psychology and physiology, this book is also characterized by interdisciplinarity and transnational dialogue. Scholars from the fields of philosophy, literary and cultural studies, social science, and religious studies innovatively explore pragmatism's importance, potential, and current relevance.