Guest Editors Dave Elder-Vass & Karin Zotzmann
The relationship between pragmatism and critical realism is open to many interpretations. On the one hand, compared to more traditional approaches, the two approaches share a post-positivist, post-foundationalist perspective; and both make fallibilism central to their understanding of knowledge. On the other hand, pragmatists are wary (to say the least) of critical realism’s commitment to a realist ontology. The situation is complicated by the diversity of pragmatist perspectives and indeed the variety of interpretations of critical realism. To what extent are these two traditions in conflict? Are there complementarities or opportunities for productive synthesis? And how do these tensions work out when these philosophies are put to use in the social sciences?
Papers are invited for a special issue of Journal of Critical Realism which examine any aspect of the relationship between pragmatism and critical realism, from any disciplinary perspective. We are interested both in the abstract philosophical questions and the challenges that arise in applying these perspectives to more concrete issues.
- Submission of full papers to Journal of Critical Realism will open on 1st February 2021 and close on 31st July 2021.
- All papers will be subject to peer review. Feedback period will be August–September 2021.
- Final decisions by 31st October 2021.
- Final papers required by January 19th, 2022.
Mark Carrigan 