Pragmatism is concerned with the unity of practice with philosophy, or more specifically of ascertaining by what one might measure the utility of an idea. We can see, particularly with Rorty’s neopragmatism, that such concerns are not overdetermined or constrained.

Since Marx’s eleventh thesis commanding change, the focus on praxis in critical theory has predominated. No understanding that does not alter, demands Herr Marx.

Pragmatism and marxian praxis are the two varieties that carry currency, perhaps because they have driven prolificity more than results — a criteria which emanates from their own premises.

However, a praxis of a more vulgar variety pervades much of contemporary radical social theory. These might be referred to as the tyrannies of hopefulness and possibility.

The tyranny of hopefulness demands of any theory that it assign considerable agency to a political subject, and fill her with confidence and aspiration.

The tyranny of possibility is related to the former order. Any analysis that posits limitation on individual actors, or suggests they might despair simple change in any given context is rejected out of hand.

These tyrannies dismiss as not only lacking utility but also accuracy any philosophy that does not confer ambition and promise.

These are the politics of faith, of superstition. They enslave thought as well as action, and as such must be rejected and forcefully resisted.