Article by Robert Justin Lipkin
This Article advocates expanding the conversation in pragmatic theory by embracing the distinction between doctrinaire and reflective pragmatism. Part II critically examines Rorty's doctrinaire pragmatism and concludes by explaining in greater detail the distinction between doctrinaire and reflective pragmatism. Part III demonstrates how the distinction illuminates controversies between pragmatism and two versions of intuitive realism. Parts IV and V then explain the substantive differences between doctrinaire pragmatism and reflective pragmatism in morals, politics, and law. The Article concludes with the admonition that pragmatists embrace doctrinaire pragmatism at their peril. Embracing reflective pragmatism instead promises to fulfill the spirit of the pragmatic revolution.
About the Author
Robert Justin Lipkin. Professor, Widener University School of Law. B.A., 1965, Brooklyn College; M.A., 1971, Ph.D., 1974, Princeton University; J.D., 1984, University of California at Los Angeles.
Citation
67 Tul. L. Rev. 1561 (1993)