Streams of Experience: Reflections on the History and Philosophy of American Culture

by John J. McDermott

Streams of Reflections on the History and Philosophy of American Culture

Genres: Philosophy

296 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1986

Reviews

[Lobstergirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

McDermott's first chapter, a linear discussion of Western philosophy (Plato-Augustine-Descartes-Hume-Kant-Marx-Nietzsche-William James) is about as clear and coherent as any I've read. Anyone interested in American philosophy (Emerson, James, and Dewey in particular) should read on from there.

The author's favorite word seems to be nectar; also overused are chary, salvific (once is too much) and covenant as a noun and verb.

[Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard to say I "enjoyed" this book, but I did get some enjoyment out of the afterthoughts.
McDermott started out with some pertinent background in ancient philosophical thought, which was great. Where I really could say I enjoyed the book was in the relating of pragmatism to everyday matters. Insightful was the understanding of how pragmatism has fluctuated as a philosophical tradition endemic to America.
McDermott has a fascination with death it seems. I certainly understand his explanation of why death is important to understand and talk about for a society, but I thought (I could be off the mark here) that he spent too much time on it, and frankly his chapter on the handicapped. It was getting off track a bit.
The book started out great and then fluctuated on keeping my interest and then fizzled at the end. But I am glad I took the time to read this important book on pragmatism.