Introduction

What might American philosophies, broadly construed, contribute to, and learn from, philosophy of disability? First, several of the “canonical” figures of American philosophy had significant experiences with disability, and, when they discuss disability (like William James and Jane Addams), their work tends to be sympathetic to disabled persons’ perspectives. The biographies of several major figures of Classical American philosophy motivate the idea that the resources they offer can be extended to promote understanding of experiences of disability. Charles S. Peirce, William James, and Josiah Royce bore witness to the experiences of loved ones as well as their own physical and mental illnesses. These experiences, in some ways, were formative for major figures in American philosophy. Another central figure, Jane Addams had tuberculosis of the spine when she was young. In the aftermath, “the disease partially rigidified her spine, so that her head tilted sideways slightly and certain movements gave her pain” (Knight, 36). This comportment reportedly had an effect on Addams. Louise Knight continues, “Convinced she was too unattractive to be seen with her elegant father among strangers, she suffered agonies of shame when she was forced to accompany him on such occasions” (37). While speculating that experience with disablement is the motivation for her pioneering work at Hull House would be a bridge too far, such an intimate familiarity with the ingrained stigma associated with disability must have left an impression.