ABSTRACT
This book attempts to demonstrate that occupational therapy is based upon a philosophy of pragmatism. The author analyzes the history of the field as “modern practice,” philosophy and education in an “effort to resolve the identity crisis from which many occupational therapists suffer” (p. xii). Dr. Breines observes that the influence of the philosophy of pragmatism on the development of the professions was never really articulated by the founders of occupational therapy. Thus, no unifying theme existed for cohering the principles and tools of practice. She proposes that by articulating and naming the philosophical base as pragmatism, many of occupational therapy's dilemmas could be solved. By reorganizing the philosophical base of pragmatism seemingly diverse theories could be related, the curriculum could be better organized, the commonalities underlying practice could be identified, and a stronger sense of professional autonomy could emerge.
