Pragmatist Philosophy and Dance

Eric Mullis is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Queens University of Charlotte, USA. He is also a dance artist and scholar whose work is grounded in interdisciplinary research and creative processes. He has written on topics in Chinese Philosophy, American Pragmatism, Philosophy of Embodiment, Somaesthetics, Dance and Philosophy of Technology, and Dance and Political Engagement. He currently lives and works in North Carolina and is continually investigating the role of the dance artist in the Southeastern United States.

“Pragmatist Philosophy and Dance undoubted value is that if offers an example of how to expand the toolbox for an interdisciplinary research work on dance that fully capitalizes philosophical thought. … Mullis contributes to affirming that performance goes beyond presenting philosophical content and develops an effective theory-in-process methodological approach to sustain performance research and generate practical and theoretical knowledge extremely useful for the artistic process.” (Susanne Franco, European Journal of Pragmatism and American Philosophy, Vol. 13 (1), 2021)

• 1. Sources beyond the Pale.- 2. Pragmatist Methods: Experimental Inquiry, Somaesthetics, and Performance Praxis.- 3. Religious History: Spirit Poured out on all Flesh.- 4. Dance History: The Rolling Deep.- 5. Ethnographic Research: Signs Follow Them That Believe.- 6. Movement Research: The Most Originally Mine.- 7. Religious Experience: William James, Ecstasy, and Christian Fundamentalism.- 8. Conclusions: On Pragmatist Performance Philosophy.