The Philosophy of Brand Blanshard – Reason, Idealism, and the Defense of Rationalism | The Library of Living Philosophers | Volume XV, 1980 | Review, Analysis & Summary

The Philosophy of Brand Blanshard, edited by Paul Arthur Schilpp, constitutes Volume XV of the notable Library of Living Philosophers (LLP) series, released in 1980. This edition pays homage to Brand Blanshard (1892–1987), a significant American philosopher recognized for his persuasive advocacy of rationalism, idealism, and philosophical clarity during a period increasingly influenced by logical positivism and linguistic analysis.
This volume compiles Blanshard’s philosophical autobiography, excerpts from his key texts, critical essays from other philosophers, and Blanshard’s own thorough responses—providing readers with a well-rounded understanding of one of the 20th century's most eloquent proponents of reason and coherence in philosophical discourse.

Who Was Brand Blanshard?

Brand Blanshard was a philosopher, educator, and prolific author from the United States. He taught for a considerable duration at Yale University, known for both his philosophical precision and literary elegance. A vigorous supporter of systematic philosophy, Blanshard repudiated relativism and skepticism, advocating for a rational idealist perspective that highlighted logical consistency, ethical objectivity, and the integrity of truth.
Some of his key publications encompass:

• The Nature of Thought (1939)
• Reason and Analysis (1962)
• Reason and Goodness (1961)
• Four Reasonable Men (1954)

In these works, Blanshard maintained that reason transcends being merely a tool and is instead the core element of philosophical and moral comprehension.

Contents of the Volume

This LLP volume adheres to the established format of the series:

1. Philosophical Autobiography

In this engaging and deeply personal narrative, Blanshard chronicles his intellectual journey, detailing his early education, encounters with idealist philosophy, and his dismissal of both religious dogmatism and positivist reductionism. He recounts the impact of influential figures like Hegel, Bradley, and Royce, underscoring his lifelong dedication to clarity, order, and rationality.

2. Selections from Blanshard’s Philosophical Works

The selections showcase his contributions to:

• The essence of reason and the rational framework of reality
• Epistemology: our methods of knowledge acquisition and the criteria for valid knowledge
• Ethics and value theory
• The critique of logical positivism and linguistic analysis
• His robust defense of metaphysical realism and coherence

These writings embody Blanshard’s vision of a rationally interconnected world rich with values.

3. Critical and Interpretive Essays

A variety of renowned philosophers engage with Blanshard’s concepts. Noteworthy contributors include:

• Roderick Chisholm – on epistemology and justification
• Morris Lazerowitz, William Frankena, John Lachs, Charles Hartshorne, among others

The essays examine:

• The legitimacy of coherence theory of truth
• Objections to rationalism and idealism
• The influence of reason in ethics and metaphysics

Comparisons between Blanshard and analytic philosophers such as A. J. Ayer and Bertrand Russell

4. Blanshard’s Replies to Critics

Staying true to LLP tradition, Blanshard offers thoughtful and respectful answers to each critique. These responses reveal not only his philosophical acumen but also his intellectual generosity and humility. He addresses misconceptions, recognizes legitimate arguments, and firmly defends the importance of systematic, rational thought within philosophy.

Key Themes in Blanshard’s Philosophy

1. Rationalism and the Unity of Truth

Blanshard posited that all truths are ultimately coherent and unified, asserting that reason serves as our primary instrument for comprehending this unity. His form of rationalism is thorough and metaphysical, rather than merely logical.

2. Idealism and the Nature of Reality

Under the influence of absolute idealism, Blanshard perceived reality as inherently intelligible and structured. Rather than a random assortment of facts, the world is regarded as a rational totality.

3. Critique of Logical Positivism and Linguistic Analysis

Blanshard challenged the mid-20th-century movements that confined philosophy to linguistic analysis or empirical verification. He regarded this as a constriction of philosophical perspective, contending that authentic philosophy must also engage with values, ethics, and metaphysical dilemmas.

4. Ethics and Moral Objectivity

Blanshard contended for the objectivity of moral values, grounded in the coherence of reason and human nature. For him, ethics was a rational comprehension of ends and means, rather than a matter of personal preference or social norms.

5. Clarity and Style in Philosophy

One of the frequently lauded aspects of Blanshard’s writings is his clear and elegant prose. He maintained that clear thought necessitates clear expression, believing that style is intrinsically linked to substance in philosophical writing.

Why This Volume Matters

The Philosophy of Brand Blanshard is a crucial text for:

• Students of American philosophy and idealism
• Scholars intrigued by rationalism and coherence theories
• Readers looking for a defense of reason against relativism
• Anyone invested in ethics, value theory, and philosophical clarity

In an era dominated by analytic philosophy, this volume presents a counterargument from a thinker who remained devoted to the pursuit of the rational whole.