The Essence of Ethical Pragmatism

The Essence of Ethical Pragmatism (The Common Sense Philosophy) is a book by E. Dennis Brod published in 2016, purporting to explain and justify the philosophy of ethical pragmatism.
Background
Ethical pragmatism, Brod’s proprietary philosophy, contends that, after recognizing that human life has value, all corrupting influences such as ideologies, partisan politics, labels and emotions should be ignored in formulating the actions to be taken in order to achieve an intended goal. This is a philosophy that espouses the use of critical thinking for individuals in their own personal endeavors as well as for those serving in government, industry, science and the arts. The philosophy and the theme of the book emphasize the use of common sense.
The author is a philosopher, retired attorney and former elected official who studied philosophy with the late Stanley Rosen, Western Civilization with historian Peter Charanis and political science with Elton Atwater, a Quaker.
Contents
The book offers a critical thought process as a suggestion to the reader. The process consists of four steps requiring the subject to: observe, analyze, evaluate and conclude. It further emphasizes that all observations must strive to obtain accurate facts with total objectivity free of pre-conceptions and prejudices. The book traces the lineage of common sense from the early philosophers to modern times using a number of examples in history and applying the philosophy to many contemporary issues.
Reception
Among previously known philosophers in the field of pragmatism were William James, Charles Peirce and John Dewey. A review by the leading book trade reviewer, Kirkus Reviews, states that “Brod’s exposition is undoubtedly clearer than those of his philosophical predecessors”. The same review rebukes Brod for being too dismissive of the issue of faith, concluding: “This is an admirably bipartisan book and it radiates open-mindedness. But it will frustrate those hungry for something deeper.”
BlueInk Review stated "Brod’s book is clearly written and easily accessible to lay readers" but warned that "In his eagerness to make a point, however, he sometimes over-generalizes or omits pertinent facts."
Rebecca Foster, reviewing for Foreword/Clarion, said “Laymen may be wary of attempting a full-length philosophy text, but this one successfully targets the average reader with a lucid writing style, step-by-step advice, and relevant examples. Indeed, Brod maintains that a philosopher is ‘almost anyone who cares to develop a belief or way of thinking’—in which case all people, whether deliberately or unwittingly, are philosophers in their everyday lives … There is much food for thought in this readable philosophical book”.

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