The Metaphysical Club

Decline

Pragmatism, once a dominant force in American intellectual life, saw a decline post-World War II. Louis Menand explains that figures like Holmes, James, and Dewey were eclipsed after 1945, as the Cold War era favored immutable principles over pragmatism's contingent beliefs 1. This shift in mindset led to pragmatism's diminished influence until a revival in the 1980s, spurred by philosopher Richard Rorty 2. Menand notes, "Pragmatism is kind of anti-principle. So pragmatism says beliefs are sort of contingent. They're provisional. They sometimes work, sometimes they don't."

Pragmatism is kind of anti-principle. So pragmatism says beliefs are sort of contingent. They're provisional. They sometimes work, sometimes they don't.

--- Louis Menand

Despite its resurgence, pragmatism faded again after 9/11, highlighting its cyclical relevance in intellectual discourse.

   

Education

John Dewey, a pivotal figure in pragmatism, revolutionized American education by advocating for "learning by doing." Louis Menand describes Dewey's approach as a departure from traditional methods, emphasizing experiential learning over rote memorization 3. Dewey believed that principles should be held because they work for individuals, not because they are absolute truths 4. Menand explains, "You hold them because they work for you. So one of the principles that people have is a desire to believe in absolutes. But that's. Practice would say, that's fine, but understand why you believe in absolutes because it works for you."

You hold them because they work for you. So one of the principles that people have is a desire to believe in absolutes. But that's. Practice would say, that's fine, but understand why you believe in absolutes because it works for you.

--- Louis Menand

This pragmatic approach to education has left a lasting impact, with Dewey's ideas still influencing early childhood education today.