Relationship Between Science and Pragmatism - Case Study Example

Undoubtedly the setting for a country of democratic propensity it is also a haven for freethinking. The philosophical idea of pragmatism started nowhere else but here. Inventions, innovations and scientific discoveries are also apparent in the plethora of laboratory and field research in and out of the country. All of these are correlated by one common denominator, the United States of America. More than anything, pragmatists believe that man will forever seek knowledge and will not remain satisfied with whatever information he already has at hand. He shall remain pliant and seeking for knowledge is a quest that will never be halted. Everything can change and eventually, gradually things and knowledge will. People are not to be complacent for this goes against their basic nature. Science has enjoyed a significant stature in American culture as it fortifies logic in everyday life. Before it was simply knowledge is power but today it has become the equivalent of life. People regard scientists as heroes. Religion coped in such a way that it has embraced scientific knowledge in its own divine erudition (Cotkin 7). Darwin’s theory was accepted and no vehement contradictions were supplied by the church. In a pragmatist’s viewpoint, all of these cannot be taken for granted as everything may change relative to what is true at the moment. Democracy which is the ideal government in relation to the thought can at times be attained only through the means of war. If this is the truth that people believe in then it can and should be enacted. The knowledge though divergent from the people may just be their preferred reality in the future. If the United States takes it upon itself to be the conductor of pacifism through aggravating measures then it is what it is. Cotkin illustrated the cultural development of the United States that anthropologists sought because of the chaos in the ostensible present. They found that there is considerable progress that dates to the modern civilization (52). This signifies that even though things seem stagnant, there is actual change and development. A thought that pragmatists would be more than happy to say is definite. Science and the Pragmatic Belief on Evolution Relying on instinct, a large number of men look away from philosophical arguments that have no definitive set of consequential future laid before it. Philosophers are tagged with the characteristic of having to overanalyze. All of which will be reality if not an investigation that would prove otherwise would be presented with more practical results. Otherwise, men who think such and scientists are correct in their assumptions and consequently opposed to it (James 295). Variability is the ultimate inflexible thing in our existence thus variability is a constant factor. Our variability and should be deemed as laws fixed by nature to preside over us and of all that is living in nature (James 333). We are run by the constant fact that nothing remains constant and therefore all that is before us cannot be regarded as permanent as they may consequently change one way or another as previously stated. Another aspect that pragmatism concerns itself is the matter of evolution. James maintains that scientific investigations regarding heredity should be set aside for botanists as there is more freedom and more information to be gathered and implemented through botanical experimentation relative to the requirements of the scientist. Schleiden was the first to formulate the hypothesis of cells as the basic build up of plants then Schwann used the hypothesis to man and other members of the animal kingdom and found it to be true. Consequently, hopes are towards the assumption that when new discoveries will be found among plants then the same can be applied to human beings. This is concerned primarily on the genetic and nutritional build up of the organisms (340). The crucial test of what a fact signifies is through the conduct it commands or instigates. It motivates a particular behavior because it predicts a change in our experience which affects us. It is therefore particular rather than active. If for example there are two propositions then choosing one over the other will therefore negate the other. Upon further analysis it can be noted that both at the core means the same. “But the vastness that is merely based on vagueness is a false appearance of importance, and not a vastness worth retaining” (James 291). Dewey on the other hand believes that science poses an immense significance in the study of philosophy. Exemplified once again is Darwin’s theory of evolution with inclusions on the American way of thinking towards the end of the century. Philosophy is now put on the sidetracks as science takes the front seat towards the overall development of human thinking and rationalization. The quest for the ‘absolute truth’ in essence should no longer be up for discussion. No more is the idea of a single valid truth applicable, truth now is plural and it may take forms that could be amalgamated to solve problems in general without exceptions to hinder it. The Constant Pursuit of Knowledge Science takes a form in which it is no longer confined to explaining matters of the scientific nature but also a tool to answer questions that would otherwise regard itself on matters of philosophical discourse. Philosophy now evokes a sense of otherness as it presents arguments that are not concrete and therefore cannot be relied upon since it does not contain factual basis as scientific discoveries does. It is hence perceived as illogical and insignificant in comparison to the tangible data that science could present. Philosophy is ‘reasonable persuasion’ which science has put in a fragile situation. It clouds the definition of the word. When it loses the verve and the moral principle and focuses on the intellectual form of the word then the subject of philosophy is condescended. At the same time, there can be perfect balance that man can achieve in explaining the field of study but only a few sublime philosophers has attained it. The best argument for it therefore is when it realizes its purpose of setting forth the ideal of what a good life is regardless of the approach that science utilizes in a varied way (Dewey). Man is never satisfied. It is in our inherent nature to seek the truth and never be contented with what we find. Therefore, our pursuit of knowledge and the truth shall never end. We are intrinsically uneasy and aims to further our grasp regardless of the complexity. What we know can only be as good as what we know tomorrow. “Knowledge is partial and incomplete, any and all knowledge, till we have placed it in the context of a future which cannot be known, but only speculated about and resolved upon” (Dewey). The world is for the most part liberal and cordial. It allows for experiments and argumentation. But eventually there are ideas and discoveries that become incorporated more than others. This can also be said to answer queries on church government, art forms and its relation to democracy. The principal difference is that democracy is an undertaking and a type of aspiration that extends beyond and immerses itself to a lot more concerns than it counterparts (Dewey). Democracy recognizes the importance of discovery and that error is part of our everyday reality. It is for that reason that man’s duty to continue and seek for knew knowledge is based upon. This allows men to go beyond the appearance and expel illusions to make it productive. It aims to diminish and disregard the vanity of intellectual arrogance. It fosters an outlook wherein we are but grateful that we are in a world where you cannot take anything for granted and be astonished at the constant flow of new delights and revelations including defeats that may be consequences to conceit (Dewey). Democracy recognizes the association between individuals and how each of these lives is given their distinctness. It does not focus alone on the explicit uniqueness of individuals and confound itself to similar beings. This determines who the philosophers of this nature are to be. This type of philosophy originated through the words of one of the most transcendent pragmatists, William James (Dewey). The Politics of Pragmatism But then again man cannot survive on mere politics. Where does America go from here and what distinguishes it from all the other types of government and its association with pragmatism. The United States perceives itself as the defender of democracy. Wars are waged in the quest for this ever elusive American dream for the whole world. Does this justify the concept for the greater good? Will the ideals of peace and progress assimilated with democracy survive the bloodshed that comes along with these hostilities that prompts this type of government to countries that are accustomed to something that is something else entirely than what they are selling? There is no question that war can bring the worst out of people. It is in deduction a menacing concept and idea and its actual culmination does not make it the least acceptable. Bourne describes this as ‘mobpsychology’ rather than the philosophical discourse that are at play in it. Not of intellect but of overt imposition to countries that are in dire need of change pointing towards the cause of democracy. It has become a promise that is uttered dozens of times to justify for the wars that ensued. It does not foster intelligence and seeking thereof. Pragmatists have to reconcile with themselves the shoddy execution of war strategies that they did not anticipate nor expect to actually happen within their lifetimes (Bourne). The pragmatist concerns himself on the motivation of education that is inclined to the pressures of instrumental philosophy. The ability to think critically is the most persuasive in the formation of the attitudes necessary for a more civilized society and to gear towards the propensity needed for the individual to gain his own happiness. This philosophy of hope presents us with clear cut prospective of measures toward the desired end, of control above force (Dewey). Any government may not be able to form itself in actuality as long as a war still exists. This in essence overrides the concept altogether. The reason behind why pragmatists support wars is the belief that this is the best way to hasten progress besides the fact that it propagates the case for democracy. We cannot dispense of these questions as doing so weakens the primary belief of these people who support it and undermine their faith for the cause. Because the war is propelled towards the end that it will serve then it becomes that assurance and virtue are the primary forces that impel them (Dewey). What is lacking is the spiritual significance that is present in philosophy. Ironically, Americans are focused on the materialistic aspect of the thought. The complacency of people brings forth an unsightly indication of the total remodeling of the idea just to cater to the apparent needs of those who seek it. It affects everyone and it affects democracy. This is not what philosophy is all about and this is not what pragmatism should be. This is America getting its way no matter the cause. But it is an America that will continue to progress and where complacency should not be, well, complacent. Bibliography Bourne, Randolph. "Twilight of Idols." "The Seven Arts" . 1917. 12 Mar. 2009 . Cotkin, George . Reluctant Modernisn: American Thought and Culture 1880-1900. , MA: Rowman & Littlefield, 2004. Dewey, John. Columbia University. 12 Mar. 2009 . James, William. "Philosophical Conceptions and Practical Results." University Chronicle. Sep. 1898. 12 Mar. 2009 . Read More