The Jane Collective is a loosely affiliated group of scholars interested in advancing feminist pragmatism in the spirit of the social philosophy of Jane Addams (1860-1935).  Addams has been widely recognized as a social worker, pacifist, and co-founder of the social settlement, Hull House, but not until the late 1990’s did she receive serious consideration for her contribution to philosophy.  The Jane Collective is particularly interested in facilitating reflection on Addams as a social philosopher and this site is dedicated to that purpose. 

The term “feminist pragmatism” reflects the intellectual intersection found in Addams’ work.  Pragmatism is the controversial moniker often applied to American Philosophy.  First espoused by Charles Sanders Peirce (although without using the term), pragmatism refers to the notion that a proposition is true to the extent that it satisfactorily works.  William James first used the term, pragmatism, but many American philosophers have been uneasy about its implications.  John Dewey preferred the term, “instrumentalism.”  Even Peirce in his later works eschewed the term pragmatism in favor of the unwieldy term “pragmaticism.”  Addams was a contemporary of the “classic” American philosophers, but only recently has been recognized for her role in developing the field.  Addams brought feminist sensibilities to pragmatism, emphasizing care and connection while acknowledging multiple standpoints.

The linked pages provide resources for studying Addams as well as news about the Collective.  The Jane Collective holds an annual luncheon at the national meeting of the Society for the Advancement of American Philosophy and offers an Addams Prize for the best paper presented in the area of feminist pragmatism.

Note of disambiguation:  This Jane Collective is not associated with the group by the same name that engaged in an underground abortion service in Chicago from 1969 to 1973.