This excerpt explores the pragmatist critique of classical conceptions of truth, focusing on the ideas of Peirce, James, and Dewey, who redefine truth as a practical and experiential value.
Extract
[...] Richard Rorty, Consequences of Pragmatism, 1982. [...]
[...] Two fundamental classical conceptions can be glimpsed. First, the theory of correspondence, this theory presents truth as an adequation between a proposition and reality. On the other hand, the theory of coherence. This theory supposes that when an idea is true, it integrates into an elaborated system of beliefs. These different philosophical visions have exercised a major influence on Western thought for several centuries. However, these theories have not been without sparking criticisms, first and foremost those of the defenders of pragmatism. [...]
[...] The Pragmatist Critique of Classical Conceptions of Truth A. Peirce and Truth as a Process of Inquiry Peirce firmly opposes the notion of an absolute truth that would be immediately accessible. According to him, truth does not correspond to a fixed property of statements, but rather to a dynamic process that is constituted as a scientific investigation unfolds. He suggests a vision of truth that is based on a perpetual and collective, mutual search. One can think that a belief is true when it persists despite repeated tests that must be carried out by rational and perfectly objective investigators. [...]
[...] These are the philosophical problems that have led some philosophers to question these classical philosophical theories. B. The Theory of Coherence The Theory of Coherence holds that the truth of an idea resides in its coherent integration within a system of beliefs. In other words, an idea is true if it does not contradict other already accepted beliefs and forms a logical and harmonious set. This approach is defended by idealist philosophers such as Hegel, who consider that truth manifests itself in a dialectical network of thoughts in constant evolution. [...]
[...] Therefore, in what way does the pragmatist critique challenge the classical conceptions of truth? To what extent does the pragmatist vision propose a coherent and acceptable vision of truth? It will be interesting to study the fundamental, classical visions of truth first in order to analyze the fundamental critique of the pragmatists and then to focus more precisely and specifically on the different aspects of pragmatist philosophy and on the vision of truth presented by this philosophy. I. Classical conceptions of truth: correspondence and coherence A. [...]
