This is the first study of Charles Peirce's philosophy as a form of writing and the first study of his pragmatic writings as a critique of the modern attempt to change society by writing philosophy. According to Ochs, Peirce concluded that his own pragmatism displayed the errors of modernity, attempting to recreate rather than repair modern philosophy. His self-critique - which he called pragmaticism - refashions pragmatism as what Ochs calls a 'pragmatic method of reading': a method of, first, uncovering the conflicting beliefs that generate modern philosophies and, second, recommending ways of repairing these conflicts. Redescribing Peirce's pragmatism as 'the logic of scripture', Ochs suggests that Christians and Jews may in fact re-read pragmatism as a logic of Scripture: that is, as a modern philosopher's way of diagramming the Bible's rules for repairing broken lives and healing societal suffering.

"[A] brilliant and detailed study.... complex, forcefully conceived." Journal of the American Academy of Religion

"This is a fascinating and complex book." Wayne Proudfoot, The Journal of Religion

"Like Peirce's texts themselves, this book is difficult but important. To scholars of religion familiar with Peirce, this book is invaluable." Religious Studies Review

"This book is an intellectual jaw-breaker...an immensely rewarding study." Pro Ecclesia