Peirce

Charles Sanders Peirce (1839-1914) is generally regarded as the founder of pragmatism, and one of the greatest ever American philosophers. Peirce is also widely known for his work on truth, his foundational work in mathematical logic, and an influential theory of signs, or semiotics. Albert Atkin introduces the full spectrum of Peirces thought for those coming to his work for the first time. The book begins with an overview of Peirces life and work, considering his early and long-standing interest in logic and science, and highlighting important views on the structure of philosophical thought. Atkin then explains Peirces accounts of pragmatism and truth examining important later developments to these theories. He then introduces Peirces full accounts of semiotics, examines his foundational work on formal and graphical logic, and introduces Peirces account of metaphysics, the least understood aspect of his philosophy. The final chapter considers Peirces legacy and influence on the thought of philosophers such as John Dewey and Richard Rorty, as well as highlighting areas where Peirces ideas could still provide important insights for contemporary philosophers. Including chapter summaries, suggestions for further reading and a glossary, this invaluable introduction and guide to Peirces philosophy is essential reading for those new to his work.