Philosophical Essays in Pragmatic NaturalismTwo dominant schools have emerged in twentieth-century American philosophy: scientific naturalism and pragmatism. In this vibrant collection of hard-to-find essays, articles and contributions to books, internationally-known philosopher, author and lecturer Paul Kurtz offers his own special blend of these influential theories. With skill and clarity, "Philosophical Essays in Pragmatic Naturalism "captures naturalism's dedication to scientific method and critical intelligence (which are so much a part of ordinary life), and pragmatism's application of rational inquiry to the problems each of us face as individuals and as social beings. Part One focuses on "empirical metaphysics," a theory of nature grounded in the natural sciences and a theory of human nature drawn from behavioral science. Part Two defends a modified naturalistic ethic: ethical problems can be resolved by the thoughtful employment of empirical methods and value judgments that have been tested in the trenches of human conduct and proven themselves to have beneficial consequences. Rejecting subjectivitism and absolutism, Kurtz argues for a form of objective relativism in which values are shaped and winnowed in the context of everyday experiences. Part Three contrasts pragmatic naturalism with two of its keenest critics, phenomenology and existentialistm, both of which enjoyed considerable popularity in mid-century. "Philosophical Essays in Pragmatic Naturalism" demonstrates Kurtz's unwaivering commitment to free inquiry, his appreciation of pluralism and diversity, and his fervent belief that the scientific method and critical intelligence that gave birth to pragmatic naturalism provide the foundations for a cosmic outlook and an authentic ethical humanism. |
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analysis analytic apply argue Aristotle attempt basic basis behavioral sciences behaviorists believe biological C. I. Lewis causal choice claims coduction cognitive commitment concepts context critical culture decision deductive defined definition descriptive Dewey emotivists empirical epistemology especially ethical terms existence Existentialism Existentialists experience explanation fact fallacy Farber field function homeostasis Hook human behavior human nature hypotheses Ibid ideal individual inquiry insist interpreted involved Kierkegaard kind knowledge laws linguistic logical meaning meta-ethics metaphysics methodological moral faith motivation naturalistic fallacy neo-behaviorism neo-behaviorists normative objects organism Paul Kurtz persuasive definitions phenomenology philosophical physicalist practical pragmatic naturalism pragmatic naturalist presupposes presuppositions principles problem processes psychology question R. M. Hare Randall Randall's reason reductionism reference relevant religious scientific method sense Sidney Hook simply skepticism society socio-cultural sociology statement structure subject matter teleological tion traditional truth universal valuation value judgments value theory