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2 - Norms and Practice

from Part I

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 September 2023

Jason Ralph
Affiliation:
University of Leeds
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Summary

This chapter addresses the book’s first question by focusing on what classical Pragmatism can tell us about constructivist-inspired norm theory. Pragmatism can contribute to a new wave of norm research, which focuses on how normativity (or appropriateness) is established and not just how norms change. Pragmatism finds normativity in experimental processes that test a norm’s ability to ameliorate the lived experience in social and political contexts (rather than in abstract theorizing). This requires a commitment to epistemic fallibilism, deliberation and inquiry. Drawing on the writings of Peirce and Dewey in particular, the chapter argues that this process can only resolve normative doubt and establish epistemic authority if the knowledge of those affected by a practice is included in the community of inquiry that establishes normativity. What Dewey called a ‘stock of learning’ emerges from this process, which can be used as a starting point for acting in uncertain situations and judging the relative strength of the alternatives offered in processes of norm contestation. The chapter relates this argument to important contributions to norm theory, including the Habermasian-inspired ‘logic of arguing’ and Antje Wiener’s ‘theory of contestation’. It illustrates the Pragmatist contribution with reference to the debate on the anti-torture norm.

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Chapter
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On Global Learning
Pragmatic Constructivism, International Practice and the Challenge of Global Governance
, pp. 39 - 73
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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  • Norms and Practice
  • Jason Ralph, University of Leeds
  • Book: On Global Learning
  • Online publication: 07 September 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009385770.003
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  • Norms and Practice
  • Jason Ralph, University of Leeds
  • Book: On Global Learning
  • Online publication: 07 September 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009385770.003
Available formats
×

Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • Norms and Practice
  • Jason Ralph, University of Leeds
  • Book: On Global Learning
  • Online publication: 07 September 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009385770.003
Available formats
×