Being is Made in Several Ways

Abstract

Pragmatism has become a kind of mandatory framework for any current philosophical debate. But, as usual, ideas fade away, as they are replaced by meaningless brand names. As a result, we get many odd conceptual mixtures, making it really difficult to fairly appreciate the authentic and profound pragmatist renovation of philosophy. In this paper, I'd like to highlight some of the main traits of pragmatism. I am particularly concerned with those changes that we may consider radical turns in metaphysics. In this regard, I will argue that Goodman's unrealistic pluralism is a natural consequence of some pragmatist theses. I will begin by considering one aspect of Austin's analysis of the use of 'real' to go on gauging the possibilities of a radically constructive view of reality.