Letter to a Philosopher
Helene Torres
PHI 105
March 4, 2013
Randall Knighton

Letter to a Philosopher

Dear John Dewey, I am so delighted that a very significantly philosopher of such great magnitude, as yourself, will take time out to read my letter. I wanted to express my sincere respect as well as support concerning your philosophies, which have been accepted by people all over the world and endured the test of times. The principle regarding ‘Pragmatism Philosophy’, specifically, which accurately details a notion that rejects thoughts, which are not complete reality. For instance, “There is [no] such thing as a fixed, absolute truth” (Moore & Bruder, 2011, p. 206). This truth being relative to time, place, purpose, and is always modifying in light of new statistics, that being facts.

As a philosopher, many have recognized you as being America’s notable philosopher of your time. In addition I had read that you were not satisfied to bring forth theories; but instead came forward to accentuate your own concepts of liberalism, and, with the resolution of a champion, you were prepared to provide your title and status to foundations that were scowled upon by demure society. I believe there is no other way things should be seen in life, if not reality. For you to support those that look scowl upon these societies only gives me more respect for you, not only as a philosopher, but a human being. To be pragmatic, in philosophy or in ordinary life, is, above all, being realistic, which you no doubt express everyday within your own life.

In philosophy they say you are called Instrumentalism, you also went on and tried to associate both Perice’s and James’ philosophies of Pragmatism, both were about rational notions as well as moral evaluation. Perice’s view however included an understanding many could grasp as it was simple and clearly stated for all to understand. For instance, he noted, “Consider what effects, which might conceivably have practical bearings, we conceive the object of our conception to have. Then our conception of these effects is the whole of our conception of the object.” While doing further research about your school of thought, another school Instrumentalism described your ideas being that of the conditions under which reasoning and inquiry occurs. On the one hand you had felt it should be controlled by logical constraints; on the other hand it is directed at producing goods and valued satisfactions.

Your position in rejecting to believe ideas where there is a self-governing and un-modifiable truth was quite impressive with me as you took the bull by the horns and related how and where exactly your notions needed to lead. So much is brought out that pragmatists believe, for example exactness, which is related with a time, place, and purpose and is constantly shifting in the form of new data. What I really felt compelled to agree with was the concept of pragmatic philosophy that there is an impression, boldness, a polish, a viewpoint of imminent difficulties and resolutions? I love the fact that consideration is taken with pending situations and constant regard is aimed to place it in its superior setting, which in turn continuously demands that one be certain to note the bigger picture.

I have learned from numerous readings of you that many held your opinions in high regard as well as your demeanor of being a broadly straightforward man, and while you may well have sat back to condemn the universal directive of articles. Many have said that you had taken a vigorous chunk in the struggle in sincerely trying to construct a third political party, so that you were in a better position in contributing your influence and guidance so that you could and were able to support those that were down on their luck. Your intent was to do away with subjugation with in this country and around the globs. I learned that you have truly struggled for an improved universal instruction for people to have not only a better way of living, but also a meaningful way of life.

References:

Moore, B. N., & Bruder, K. (2011) Philosophy: The Power Of Ideas. (8th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.