Introductory: The Global Potential of Pragmatism

Human Affairs 19, 1–9

EMIL VIŠŇOVSKÝ

"From among the many philosophies that have ever existed, the best versions may be
considered the philosophies that exert their effect on human conduct. Philosophy for the sake
of philosophy itself may be edifying and sublime, like the highest of the arts, but if philosophy
does not move us toward ameliorative action in order to become better human beings who make
their world better, it ends up as a luxurious “language game” or “intellectual gymnastics” that
we can no longer afford. Of course, action without wisdom is stupid, even disastrous. If the
mission of philosophy is to bring wisdom into action, and if there is any wisdom in philosophy
at all, this wisdom will be active and it will teach us how to live and how to act..."

Read the article.