William James is known as a philosopher of pragmatism. This work challenges this understanding. It traces the historical importance and contemporary possibilities of pluralism's original political insight. It illuminates political philosophy of the 20th century and challenges contemporary assumptions about the desirability of unanimity.
William James is known today as a philosopher of pragmatism. William James: Politics in the Pluriverse challenges this understanding. Ferguson traces the historical importance and contemporary possibilities of pluralism's original political insight. In this important work he examines the trajectory of pluralism in the United States and England, the mutual influences of turn-of-the-century American and European philosophical traditions, and the relationship between pluralism and James's active anti-imperialism. James's unexpected political concepts and commitments both illuminate political philosophy of the 20th century and challenge contemporary assumptions about the desirability of unanimity. Pluralism, not unity, should be the goal of both politics and philosophy.
