NYC Philosophy and Psychology Readers Community

Hilary Putnam (1926-2016) was a analytic philosopher known for his work in Mathematics and Logic. In Realism with a Human Face, written in 1990, he challenges the philosophy community to cultivate ideas which are aligned with real life and the social lives of everyday people. Drawing on the American philosophical tradition, in particular William James, he argues for a pragmatic realism which avoids what he sees as the pitfalls of relativism and the reckless reactions of postmodern thinkers. In this book, Putnam elucidates the views of many philosophers in the American and analytic traditions with clear prose and energetic insights, making this a fruitful read for anyone looking for a broad understanding of the American pragmatist and analytic traditions, particularly on questions of truth, realism, and the limits of scientific explanation.

The Sociological Imagination is a foundational text in sociology that introduces the concept of the "sociological imagination"—the ability to see the connection between personal experiences and larger social and historical forces. Mills argues that individuals must understand their "personal troubles" (like unemployment or divorce) within the context of "public issues" (like economic recessions or changing family structures) to grasp their own lives and the world around them. The book critiques contemporary sociology for being too abstract and calls for a more humanistic approach that links biography, history, and social structure.

Join us to discuss this classic book over the course of 4-weeks!
Week 1 Sat 8/1 12:30pm-2:30pm The Seahorse Room @ Pier 57
Week 2 Sat 8/8 12:30pm-2:30pm The Seahorse Room @ Pier 57
Week 3 Sat 8/22 12:30pm-2:30pm The Seahorse Room @ Pier 57
Week 4 Sat 8/29 12:30pm-2:30pm The Seahorse Room @ Pier 57

Reading for Week 1
Chapters 1 & 2 (47 pages)

Hilary Putnam (1926-2016) was a analytic philosopher known for his work in Mathematics and Logic. In Realism with a Human Face, written in 1990, he challenges the philosophy community to cultivate ideas which are aligned with real life and the social lives of everyday people. Drawing on the American philosophical tradition, in particular William James, he argues for a pragmatic realism which avoids what he sees as the pitfalls of relativism and the reckless reactions of postmodern thinkers. In this book, Putnam elucidates the views of many philosophers in the American and analytic traditions with clear prose and energetic insights, making this a fruitful read for anyone looking for a broad understanding of the American pragmatist and analytic traditions, particularly on questions of truth, realism, and the limits of scientific explanation.

The Sociological Imagination is a foundational text in sociology that introduces the concept of the "sociological imagination"—the ability to see the connection between personal experiences and larger social and historical forces. Mills argues that individuals must understand their "personal troubles" (like unemployment or divorce) within the context of "public issues" (like economic recessions or changing family structures) to grasp their own lives and the world around them. The book critiques contemporary sociology for being too abstract and calls for a more humanistic approach that links biography, history, and social structure.

Join us to discuss this classic book over the course of 4-weeks!
Week 1 Sat 8/1 12:30pm-2:30pm The Seahorse Room @ Pier 57
Week 2 Sat 8/8 12:30pm-2:30pm The Seahorse Room @ Pier 57
Week 3 Sat 8/22 12:30pm-2:30pm The Seahorse Room @ Pier 57
Week 4 Sat 8/29 12:30pm-2:30pm The Seahorse Room @ Pier 57

Reading for Week 2
Chapters 3 & 4 (50 pages)