John Lachs, one of American philosophy’s most distinguished interpreters, turns to William James, Josiah Royce, Charles S. Peirce, John Dewey, and George Santayana to elaborate stoic pragmatism, or a way to live life within reasonable limits. Stoic pragmatism makes sense of our moral obligations in a world driven by perfectionist human ambition and unreachable standards of achievement. Lachs proposes a corrective to pragmatist amelioration and stoic acquiescence by being satisfied with what is good enough. This personal, yet modest, philosophy offers penetrating insights into the American way of life and our human character.
Editorial Reviews
Review
Stoic Pragmatism offers plenty of appeal and promise. It fulfills its pragmatic mission of aiming at amelioration and encouraging our hopes – hopes partly inspired by Lachs’s promise of further statements and refinements of his views.
― Philosophy in Review
. . . a valuable contribution to the ongoing discussion of how pragmatism should be developed today . . . .
― Transactions C S Peirce Society
. . . I am confident thatStoic Pragmatism, like Walden, will elevate and humble readers by reminding them of their half-forgotten hopes for a nobler life.
― Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews
Few scholars have comprehended the capacities and limitations of classical American philosophy better than Lachs, who looks even further back to the Stoics as a model for understanding pragmatism. … Recommended.
― Choice
Review
Lachs uses his interpretations and assessments of leading philosophical figures to craft and express his own original outlook.
— Jessica Wahman ― Dickinson College
Book Description
Defining a philosophy of moral limits
From the Author
John Lachs is Centennial Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University.
About the Author
John Lachs is Centennial Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University.
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