The role of the normative sciences in the evolution of Peirce’s pragmatism

Abstract

I argue that the introduction of the normative sciences in Peirce’s 1903 Harvard Lectures was prompted by ethical concerns related to his pragmatic maxim and his pragmatism, generally. In the new formulation of the maxim, Peirce shows the relation between theory and practice more clearly. At the same time, since theoretical beliefs can translate to practical ones, this shows how the practical application of theoretical science can be used for any purpose, good or ill. I show how Peirce uses an Aristotelian strategy to identify a highest end as a test of the moral character of practical maxims, namely, whether the means and ends derived from the maxim are conducive to that end.