Pragmatism is a philosophical tradition born in the United States and now influential worldwide. At its core, it is a way of thinking about the human condition between past and future: we inherit the traditions that shape us, yet remain open to creative and hopeful new possibilities. This course examines how Pragmatism has interacted with—and been shaped by—the religious traditions that form part of its cultural context.
Students will explore questions such as:
- How do the passions and moral commitments of Pragmatism connect with religious concerns?
- How does the pragmatic claim that ideas are measured by their practical consequences relate to religious belief, moral life, and community?
- How does Pragmatism’s suspicion of traditional “supernaturalist” theology influence how we think about God, religion, and human responsibility?
- What have pragmatists proposed as faithful and responsible ways for religious communities to live within a democratic society?
A central focus of the course will be the question of race. We will study how the Black experience in America has shaped the evolution of Pragmatist thought, especially through the tragic, absurdist, and hopeful tones of the Blues. The course will explore how Black Pragmatists both affirm and challenge the melioristic hope often associated with American Pragmatism.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Analyze key texts from major Pragmatist thinkers—both White and Black—and explain their views on religion and democratic life;
- Explain how race has influenced the development of Pragmatism as a philosophical tradition;
- Evaluate the strengths and limitations of Pragmatism for understanding religious belief and practice;
- Reflect critically on the relationship between White and Black Christianity in America;
- Discuss how Pragmatism sheds light on issues such as colonialism, White supremacy, and identity in pluralistic democracies.
Ultimately, this course invites students to consider how Pragmatism can help us navigate divided societies, imagine more just futures, and attend to the stories that shape human communities.
ICS 120501 / 220501 W26
Thursdays, 2pm - 5pm ET
1. Dewey, John. 1934. A Common Faith. New Haven: Yale University Press (120 pages). Students are required to purchase a copy of this book for the course. Please note that online copies do exist for free, including this one. For students who wish to buy a print or eBook copy, Amazon CA sells the paperback for $30 CAD, or the Kindle edition for $13 CAD. Indigo also sells the paperback for $25.
2. Du Bois, W.E.B. 2017. The Souls of Black Folk, with The Talented Tenth” and “The Souls of White Folk.” New York: Penguin. (272 pages). Students must purchase a copy of this text. Please note it is widely available online, including on the Internet Archive and Project Gutenberg. Students will also readily find used paperback copies of this text at bookshops.
For students wishing to purchase copies, Indigo sells several different editions, including the 2008 paperback for $15 CAD. Amazon CA sells both Kindle and paperback; the paperback edition is $10 CAD. Students will also readily find used paperback copies of this text at bookshops.
3. James, William. 1956. The Will to Believe: Human Immortality and Other Essays in Popular Philosophy. New York: Dover. (70 pages). Students must purchase a copy of this text. Please note it is widely available online, including at the Internet Archive or Project Gutenberg. Amazon CA sells the print edition for $14 CAD. Indigo sells the print edition for $16 CAD. Both Amazon and Indigo sell eBook versions as well.