The Drama of Possibility

Informationen zum Autor John J. McDermott, Edited by Douglas R. Anderson Klappentext This book traces the trajectory of John J. McDermott's philosophical career through a selection of his essays. Many were originally occasional pieces and address specific issues in American thought and culture. Together they constitute a mosaic of McDermott's philosophy, showing its roots in an American conception of experience. Though he draws heavily on the thought of William James and the pragmatists, McDermott has his own unique perspective on philosophy and American life. He presents this to the reader in exquisitely crafted prose. Drawing inspiration from American history, from existentialist themes, and from personal experiences, he offers a dramatic consideration of our culture's failures and successes.McDermott crosses disciplinary boundaries to draw on whatever works to help make sense of theissues with which he is dealing--issues rooted in medical practice, political events, pedagogical habits, and the worlds of the arts. His work thus resists simple categorization. It is precisely this that makes his vibrant prose appealing to so many both inside and outside the world of American philosophy. Zusammenfassung Traces the trajectory of the author's philosophical career through a selection of his essays. This work addresses specific issues in American thought and culture. It constitutes a mosaic of his philosophy! showing its roots in an American conception of experience.

Autorentext

John J. McDermott is Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Texas A&M University. His essays have been collected in two earlier volumes: The Culture of Experience: Philosophical Essays in the American Grain and Streams of Experience: Reflections on the History and Philosophy of American Culture.

Klappentext

This book traces the trajectory of John J. McDermott's philosophical career through a selection of his essays. Many were originally occasional pieces and address specific issues in American thought and culture. Together they constitute a mosaic of McDermott's philosophy, showing its roots in an American conception of experience. Though he draws heavily on the thought of William James and the pragmatists, McDermott has his own unique perspective on philosophy and American life. He presents this to the reader in exquisitely crafted prose. Drawing inspiration from American history, from existentialist themes, and from personal experiences, he offers a dramatic consideration of our culture's failures and successes. McDermott crosses disciplinary boundaries to draw on whatever works to help make sense of the issues with which he is dealing--issues rooted in medical practice, political events, pedagogical habits, and the worlds of the arts. His work thus resists simple categorization. It is precisely this that makes his vibrant prose appealing to so many both inside and outside the world of American philosophy.

Zusammenfassung
Traces the trajectory of the author's philosophical career through a selection of his essays. This work addresses specific issues in American thought and culture. It constitutes a mosaic of his philosophy, showing its roots in an American conception of experience.