American Philosophy: From Wounded Knee to the Present

Description

American Philosophy offers the first historically framed introduction to the tradition of American philosophy and its contemporary engagement with the world. Born out of the social and political turmoil of the Civil War, American philosophy was a means of dealing with conflict and change. In the turbulence of the 21st century, this remains as relevant as ever. Placing the work of present-day American philosophers in the context of a history of resistance, through a philosophical tradition marked by a commitment to pluralism, fallibilism and liberation, this book tells the story of a philosophy shaped by major events that call for reflection and illustrates the ways in which philosophy is relevant to lived experience. This book presents a survey of the historical development of American philosophy, as well as coverage of key contemporary issues in America including race theory, feminism, indigenous peoples, and environmentalism and is the ideal introduction to the work of the major American thinkers, past and present, and the sheer breadth of their ideas and influence.

Erin McKenna is Professor of Philosophy at Pacific Lutheran University, USA. Scott L. Pratt is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Oregon, USA.

The most comprehensive and inclusive introductory guide to how philosophy in the United States has served a role in the history of domination and the struggle for liberation of all of its groups. [...] This splendid work is necessary reading for students, philosophers, historians, and sociologists. * Gregory Fernando Pappas, Professor, Department of Philosophy, Texas A&M University, USA * Extraordinary inclusivity is the word for this stunning, historical, and interpretive presentation of the rich and complex tapestry of American Philosophy. This book will be the primary scholarly resource for decades to come. * John J. McDermott, University Distinguished Professor of Philosophy and Humanities, Texas A&M University, USA * This book reminds us of why philosophy matters. By expanding who counts as American philosophers and situating them in the struggles of their times, Pratt and McKenna not only show the origins of present-day problems but also offer perceptive insights and useful resources that are still sorely needed. * Charlene Haddock Seigfried, Professor of Philosophy and American Studies, Philosophy Department, Purdue University, USA * Tired of histories of American philosophy that celebrate the usual suspects-Peirce, James, Dewey and the boys-and leave it at that? In America the Philosophical, I argued that America boasts far more important thinkers than ever get the Good Housekeeping seal from establishment philosophy departments. Now, in American Philosophy: From Wounded Knee to the Present, Erin McKenna and Scott Pratt spectacularly blow up the petrified picture of the field, throwing open the subject to an array of critical thinkers who mattered tremendously in America's struggle to be a more decent and enlightened society. A history of American philosophy that explains and interprets-in addition to traditional stalwarts-such iconoclastic figures as Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Emma Goldman, Margaret Sanger, W.E.B. Du Bois, Aldo Leopold, James Baldwin, and Bell Hooks? Were they a part of American philosophy? You bet they were. At least of any American philosophy worth a dime in the real world. * Carlin Romano, Professor of Philosophy and Humanities, Ursinus College, USA *