Josiah Royce in Focus [Paperback]

This new approach to Josiah Royce shows one of American philosophy's brightest minds in action for today's readers. Although Royce was one of the towering figures of American pragmatism, his thought is often considered in the wake of his more famous peers. Jacquelyn Ann K. Kegley brings fresh perspective to Royce's ideas and clarifies his individual philosophical vision. Kegley foregrounds Royce's concern with contemporary public issues and ethics, focusing in particular on how he addresses long-standing problems such as race, religion, community, the dangers of mass media, mass culture, and blatant individualistic capitalism. She offers a deep and fruitful philosophical exploration of Royce's ideas on conflict resolution, memory, self-identity, and self-development. Kegley's keen understanding and appreciation of Royce reintroduces him to a new generation of scholars and students.

Kegley's study is a meticulously researched, comprehensive account of both Royce's life and his work. . . . Josiah Royce in Focus excels at placing his philosophical thought within the context of more current trends, problems, and urgent issues in the behavioral and social sciences and in the arena of public affairs. October, 2010Highly recommended.June 2009I find Kegley's book excellent in many ways. It will serve undergraduates and graduates well in their courses on the history of American philsophy or in seminars on Royce.March 2011Makes Royce attractive, interesting, and helpful to newcomers to philosophy and to those interested in healing America's wounds.

Jacquelyn Ann K. Kegley is Professor of Philosophy at California State University, Bakersfield. She is author of Genuine Individuals and Genuine Communities: A Roycean Public Philosophy and editor of Genetic Knowledge: Human Values and Responsibility.

. . . this book is the best introduction to Royce's thought written in over two decades.Vol. 4.2 2009Kegley's previous work on Royce has bequeathed confidence in helÃ)