Renascent Pragmatism: Studies in Law and Social Science(Law, Justice and Power)

Pragmatism is experiencing a resurgence in law, philosophy and social science, with pragmatists seeking a consistent, comprehensive and productive understanding of social life. In its four sections this book sets out to contribute to the reinvigoration of pragmatism as an important intellectual tradition and contributor to inquiry and change in social life. Each section of the book is introduced by essays from participants in the metaphysical club which met at Harvard between 1869 and 1872 and these essays sketch out key aspects of pragmatism upon which the original contributions build. Throughout the book, the concrete linkage between policy, theory and method is emphasized, while recognizing the philosophical tradition in which the inquiries and prescriptions rest.

Table of Contents:
Contents: Pragmatic Philosophy on Social, Legal, and Scholarly Practice: The 'Democracy of Self-Devotion': Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., and pragmatism, William G. Weaver; The dilemma of democracy: diversity of interests and common experiences, Charlene Haddock Seigfried; A pragmatic response to the embarrassing problems of ideology critique in socio-legal studies, Brian Z. Tamanaha; Pragmatic legal norms, Murray J. Leaf. Updating Pragmatist Informed Methods of Inquiry: Ethnography and pragmatism, Murray J. Leaf; The mathematical metaphysics of measurement and metrology: towards meaningful quantification in the human sciences, William P. Fisher Jr. Pragmatists' Perspectives on Policy and Politics: The pragmatic policy analyst, Anne Larason Schneider and Helen Ingram; Does consensus work? A pragmatic approach to public participation in the regulatory process, Cary Coglianese. Empirical Studies from Pragmatist Perspectives: A pragmatist theory of social movement leadership, Alfonso Morales and Robert R. Jimenez, Public interest lawyering and the pragmatist dilemma, Peter Margulies; Index.

About the Author :
Alfonso Morales, Dr, Assistant Professor, Sociology and Anthropology, University of Texas at El Paso, USA Contributors: William G. Weaver, Charlene Haddock Seigfried, Brian Tamanaha, Murray J. Leaf, William P. Fisher, Helen Ingram, Anne Larason Schneider, Cary Coglianese, Alfonso Morales, Robert R. Jimenez, Peter Marguiles.

Review :
'This book is must reading for anyone interested in pragmatism, law or social science.  The book shows how pragmatism continues to be a powerful theoretical tool for the analysis of law and society.' George Martinez, Southern Methodist University, USA 'This collection of fascinating essays demonstrates the vitality and extends the reach of pragmatism in the social sciences. As one of the contributors notes: "Pragmatism is where the action really is.' John Lachs, Vanderbilt University, USA 'This collection of essays makes a powerful and coherent case for a renascent pragmatism as a tool and organizing principle for socio-legal research - and for the talents of a new generation of scholars embracing this tool. The uninitiated reader will learn important insights into the contribution and history of pragmatism, while those more familiar with pragmatism will see its particular utility for cutting-edge socio-legal research - superbly exemplified in this volume.' Bryant Garth, American Bar Foundation, USA 'This marvelously organized and researched set of essays provides readers both new and more familiar with pragmatism as a philosophy and form of politics with insightful commentary and interpretations. This book should help mobilize that renaissance its title announces. A much needed and welcome addition of use to just about every field of social inquiry.' Susan Silbey, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA ’...I found the volume to be a coherent, engaging and thought-provoking...sum of its parts...social scientists interested in the promise of a pragmatic social science will find much here worth serious consideration.’ Law and Politics Book Review