Deleuze and Pragmatism by Simone Bignall

Deleuze and Pragmatism by Simone Bignall

This collection brings together the philosophy of Gilles Deleuze and the rich tradition of American pragmatist thought, taking seriously the commitment to pluralism at the heart of both. Contributors explore in novel ways Deleuze’s explicit references to pragmatism, and examine the philosophical significance of a number of points at which Deleuze’s philosophy converges with, or diverges from, the work of leading pragmatists. The papers of the first part of the volume take as their focus Deleuze’s philosophical relationship to classical pragmatism and the work of Peirce, James and Dewey. Particular areas of focus include theories of signs, metaphysics, perspectivism, experience, the transcendental and democracy. The papers comprising the second half of the volume are concerned with developing critical encounters between Deleuze’s work and the work of contemporary pragmatists such as Rorty, Brandom, Price, Shusterman and others. Issues addressed include antirepresentationalism, constructivism, politics, objectivity, naturalism, affect, human finitude and the nature and value of philosophy itself. With contributions by internationally recognized specialists in both poststructuralist and pragmatist thought, the collection is certain to enrich Deleuze scholarship, enliven discussion in pragmatist circles, and contribute in significant ways to contemporary philosophical debate.

‘Not only does this collection present important new work on a major element of Deleuze’s genealogy; it brings Deleuzian concepts to bear on contemporary problems in pragmatism, opening vital lines of communication between continental and analytic philosophy’–Audrey Wasser, University of Chicago, USA

‘The explorations herein offer rich instruction in the work of crossing philosophical traditions, making this volume essential reading for all Pragmatists and Continentalists who see themselves as pluralistic thinkers.’ –Colin Koopman, University of Oregon, USA

‘This key interpretative piece to Deleuze’s philosophy gathers decisive and original contributions capable of shedding a new light on Deleuze’s thought and philosophical lineage and on the unsuspected possibilities of pragmatist thought. This long-awaited collection of critical essays offers new and fascinating pathways capable of renewing the field of Deleuze studies and our very practice of philosophy.’ –Marjorie Gracieuse, University of Warwick, UK

Simone Bignall is Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellow and Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of New South Wales, Australia. She is the author of Postcolonial Agency: Critique and Constructivism (2010). She is co-editor of Deleuze and the Postcolonial (with Paul Patton, 2010) and Agamben and Colonialism (with Marcelo Svirsky, 2012).

Sean Bowden is Lecturer in Philosophy at Deakin University, Australia. He is the author of The Priority of Events: Deleuze’s Logic of Sense (2011) and the co-editor of Badiou and Philosophy (with Simon Duffy, 2012).

Paul Patton is Scientia Professor of Philosophy at The University of New South Wales, Australia. He is the author of Deleuzian Concepts: Philosophy, Colonization, Politics (2010) and Deleuze and the Political (2000).