Early Forms of Constructivism in Classical Pragmatism: Considerations for the History of Metaethics

• Main Authors: Dostie Proulx, Pierre-Luc, SSHAP 2014
• Other Authors: UCL - ISP - Institut supérieur de philosophie
• Format: Conference Object
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: Dewey; sami
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2078.1/181627

The purpose of this talk is to shed light on the innovative character of the metaethical thesis underlying classical pragmatism. I contrast John Dewey’s writings with one of the most prevalent contemporary metaethical theses, constructivism. I argue that growing interest in constructivism, especially since the publication of John Rawls’ Political Liberalism, must and should draw the attention of those interested in classical pragmatism. I show that the emphasis placed by constructivists on the actor’s practical point of view and on an ethical anti-realist position echo some of the most crucial intuitions made by pragmatists such as Dewey. The significance of this comparison is twofold: in addition to unveiling the groundbreaking character of the metaethical thesis behind classical pragmatism, it participates in a trend aimed at refining the dialogue between pragmatism and analytic philosophy – a trend to which scholars such as Huw Price, Sami Pihlstrom and Cheryl Misak have significantly contributed.