Lecture VII

Pragmatism and Humanism

The notion of THE Truth. Schiller on 'Humanism.' Three sorts of
reality of which any new truth must take account. To 'take account'
is ambiguous. Absolutely independent reality is hard to find. The
human contribution is ubiquitous and builds out the given. Essence
of pragmatism's contrast with rationalism. Rationalism affirms a
transempirical world. Motives for this. Tough-mindedness rejects
them. A genuine alternative. Pragmatism mediates.

Lecture VIII

Pragmatism and Religion

Utility of the Absolute. Whitman's poem 'To You.' Two ways of taking
it. My friend's letter. Necessities versus possibilities.
'Possibility' defined. Three views of the world's salvation.
Pragmatism is melioristic. We may create reality. Why should
anything BE? Supposed choice before creation. The healthy and the
morbid reply. The 'tender' and the 'tough' types of religion.
Pragmatism mediates.




PRAGMATISM

Lecture I