The ChatGPT synopsis of The Journal of Sophistry Vol. 1: PragmaGism
The document titled "PragmaTism + Magic = PragmaGism" published by The Journal of Sophistry discusses the concept of "PragmaGism," which is a combination of American pragmatism and magic. The author argues that the world has become disenchanted as materialist and anti-religious sentiments have risen, and religious texts are increasingly seen as metaphorically rather than literally true. PragmaGism is presented as an attempt to aid the re-enchantment of the world, with magic being an active, engaging, and non-dogmatic conception of causality, contrasting with the blind, mechanical causality that has dominated philosophy and science since Newton and Descartes.
The document delves into the history and principles of American pragmatism, heavily influenced by Darwin and Kant, emphasizing the provisional nature of human understanding and the limitations imposed by our cognitive faculties. It highlights the pragmatist view that our conceptual scheme is always provisional and subject to evolution and change.
William James' essay "The Will to Believe" is discussed as a significant influence on PragmaGism. James defends the right to adopt a believing attitude in religious matters, arguing that our intellectual nature is complemented by a "passional" or "willing" nature, which is active in areas where intellectual grounds are insufficient for decision-making.
The author then explores the concept of magic, defining it as an irreducible and supernatural causal force that is willed or intended. The discussion includes an analysis of common definitions of 'magic' and 'supernatural,' arguing that these concepts should not be dismissed as false or illusory by definition.
The document also contrasts the Greek concepts of phusis (nature) with technê (skill or artifice) and nomos (law or convention), suggesting that acts of technê and nomos can be considered 'unnatural' or having a supernatural origin, thus fitting into the category of magic.
In summary, the document proposes PragmaGism as a philosophical stance that combines pragmatism's acknowledgment of uncertainty and the provisional status of knowledge with a magical perspective that embraces an active and creative approach to causality and belief.