ABSTRACT
In the late nineteenth century, classical pragmatism found its first explicit exponent in the philosopher William James, who credited the epistemological and methodological insights of fellow US philosopher Charles S. Peirce with opening up a new route in philosophical inquiry that was necessarily linked to experience. Contemporary feminist pragmatists have argued that the methodological practices and theoretical claims made by pragmatists and feminists are not only complementary but that a more careful inventory of each would bear fruit for the aims of both. Jane Addams is the historical woman who is most frequently associated with feminist pragmatism today. It is easy to connect Addams with views readily associated with classical pragmatism, especially those attributed to Dewey. In her social work and public writings and speeches, Addams supported women's suffrage and worked to garner sympathy as well as social access for prostitutes, immigrant, and other poor, disenfranchised women.
