The American Evasion Of Philosophy by Cornel West
A Genealogy of Pragmatism
This study traces a lineage of American pragmatism—from Emerson’s romantic individualism through Peirce, James, and Dewey to later figures like Rorty—arguing that a distinctive anti-foundational, experimental spirit has shaped U.S. philosophy and culture. It highlights how this tradition evades European metaphysical fixations in favor of practical engagement, democratic life, and meliorist reform, while also confronting its limits around power, race, class, and gender. It culminates in a plea for a prophetic pragmatism that fuses Deweyan democracy with radical, historically grounded critique, insisting that intellectual work be accountable to social movements and the pursuit of freedom and justice.
- Published
- 1989
- Nationality
- American
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 280-320
- Original Language
- English
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- Alternate Titles
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