This article examines the intellectual relationship between John Dewey and Ru- dolf Carnap, exploring the reasons behind Dewey’s shift from initial curiosity to out- right hostility towards Carnap’s philosophy. While much attention has been given to Carnap’s engagement with pragmatism, the reverse influence – namely, the impact of Carnap’s logical empiricism on American pragmatists such as Dewey – has largely been overlooked. The essay argues that Dewey’s growing aversion to Carnap was shaped by several factors: his lack of technical expertise in formal logic; institutional and cultural tensions as logical empiricism gained prominence in the U.S.; and deeper metaphilosophical disagreements about the nature of language, logic, and philosoph- ical problems. Drawing largely on Dewey’s correspondence, the article provides a nuanced account of this troubled philosophical encounter.
From Curiosity to Hostility: Dewey’s Confrontation with Carnap’s Philosophy
Roberto Gronda
2025-01-01
Abstract
This article examines the intellectual relationship between John Dewey and Ru- dolf Carnap, exploring the reasons behind Dewey’s shift from initial curiosity to out- right hostility towards Carnap’s philosophy. While much attention has been given to Carnap’s engagement with pragmatism, the reverse influence – namely, the impact of Carnap’s logical empiricism on American pragmatists such as Dewey – has largely been overlooked. The essay argues that Dewey’s growing aversion to Carnap was shaped by several factors: his lack of technical expertise in formal logic; institutional and cultural tensions as logical empiricism gained prominence in the U.S.; and deeper metaphilosophical disagreements about the nature of language, logic, and philosoph- ical problems. Drawing largely on Dewey’s correspondence, the article provides a nuanced account of this troubled philosophical encounter.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
