The Metaphysical Club

The Metaphysical Club was a group of American philosophers and intellectuals in the late 19th century, most notably including William James, Charles Peirce, and Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. They met to discuss ideas about pragmatism, a philosophy that emphasizes the practical consequences of beliefs and ideas as key to their meaning. Their conversations shaped modern philosophy by promoting the idea that truth is not absolute but rather evolves with experience and societal change. The Club’s legacy is significant in understanding the development of American thought and the intersection of philosophy with law, science, and social issues.