I am tempted to say both, and the latter is in the process of destroying the former. Its native philosophical tradition of Pragmatism is very much like typical British philosophy in being the empirically-minded product of clear writers. The imported philosophy of Critical Theory and adaptations from French Theory is wholly noxious.
I think I agree. When I look back and try to trace the various strands of philosophical thought that have influenced our current times, I see many stations along the way, but no clear end point. We can look at the importation of the worst French philosophy in the mid 20th century, or German academic models at the turn of the 20th century with the old Progressives, but it goes further back. Modern progressivism has roots as far back as the Revolution if not earlier, eg Thomas Paine. I think in some ways the American "progressive spirit" is both one of our great strengths and great weaknesses, like a powerful but explosive accelerant.
Hooray. Thanks Lorenzo and Helen. How i would love to insert some of these thoughts into a debate with woke descendants but discussions do not happen, minds are made up, just white wine in the sun, which is nice enough in its way. Oh and we watched the Barbie movie and my granddaughter remarked she would bring her children up quite differently if she had them. How, i wondered, but the conversation had already ended.
I'm curious about your verdict on the USA? Lawmaking culture, philosophical culture, both, neither, too early to tell?
I am tempted to say both, and the latter is in the process of destroying the former. Its native philosophical tradition of Pragmatism is very much like typical British philosophy in being the empirically-minded product of clear writers. The imported philosophy of Critical Theory and adaptations from French Theory is wholly noxious.
I think I agree. When I look back and try to trace the various strands of philosophical thought that have influenced our current times, I see many stations along the way, but no clear end point. We can look at the importation of the worst French philosophy in the mid 20th century, or German academic models at the turn of the 20th century with the old Progressives, but it goes further back. Modern progressivism has roots as far back as the Revolution if not earlier, eg Thomas Paine. I think in some ways the American "progressive spirit" is both one of our great strengths and great weaknesses, like a powerful but explosive accelerant.
ours is a hustling money culture and the greatest American philosopher is PT Barnum! ;)
Just looked up some of his quotes/sayings and he seems like a pretty philosophical guy actually ;)
(Also I think the theme of despising money has been one of philosophy's silliest traditions)
Hooray. Thanks Lorenzo and Helen. How i would love to insert some of these thoughts into a debate with woke descendants but discussions do not happen, minds are made up, just white wine in the sun, which is nice enough in its way. Oh and we watched the Barbie movie and my granddaughter remarked she would bring her children up quite differently if she had them. How, i wondered, but the conversation had already ended.