The topic of this course is the philosophical tradition of pragmatism. Pragmatism is a style of philosophical thinking that favors the concrete over the abstract, the practical consequences of ideas rather than their correspondence to reality. Pragmatists adopt a functionalist approach to philosophical concepts and issues, inquiring into the roles (functions) that these concepts play in human lives and practices.

Starting in the 19th century and going all the way to contemporary discussions, we will discuss and read texts by authors such as Anna Julia Cooper, W.E.B. Du Bois, Charles Peirce, William James, John Dewey, Jane Addams, Frank Ramsey, Ludwig Wittgenstein, Richard Rorty, Cornel West, and Cheryl Misak.

The course is primarily for students in the BA philosophy program. Students from other programs can follow the course as long as they have sufficient prior familiarity with philosophical discussions. They must be prepared to perform close reading of philosophical texts and to engage actively in philosophical discussions.

Contact hours listed under a course description may vary due to the combination of lecture-based and independent work required for each course therefore, CEA's recommended credits are based on the ECTS credits assigned by VU Amsterdam. 1 ECTS equals 28 contact hours assigned by VU Amsterdam.