Pragmatic is a philosophy that values practical outcomes, human experience, and continuous pursuit of knowledge. Pragmatism can be a powerful tool in research but must also be balanced with ethical considerations, long-term sustainability, foundational principles, and idealistic goals.
When used as a noun, pragmatic refers to someone who is capable of making decisions based on realistic, real-world circumstances instead of being swayed by emotion or fear. A person who is pragmatic tends to be grounded in the reality of a situation and has the ability to make rational decisions that will yield positive results.
A person who is pragmatic has the ability to identify potential problems before they arise and take preventive measures to reduce their likelihood of occurrence. Being pragmatic can benefit your relationships by allowing you to communicate openly and clearly with friends and family members, decreasing unnecessary stress and anxiety. Pragmatic individuals also have a tendency to focus on results and consequences, which can help you manage your work and personal life better.
As a philosophy, Pragmatism is an approach to understanding the world and how we interact with it. There are several different philosophies of Pragmatism but some of the most prominent include C.S. Peirce, William James, and John Dewey. These thinkers have influenced a variety of fields, including psychology, sociology, education, law, and medicine.
The main idea behind pragmatism is that truth is relative and that each individual’s concept of reality is shaped by their experiences and culture. This view can be beneficial in terms of solving real-world problems and fostering creative solutions but may also create challenges when it comes to finding consistent guidelines and principles that are applicable across contexts.
One of the main advantages of a pragmatic research approach is that it allows researchers to take advantage of whatever methods are needed in order to advance their studies. Similar to how architects use whatever materials and tools are necessary to construct the building they have schemed in paper, a pragmatic research method allows you to utilize any techniques that will best address your research questions.
This can be particularly useful for researchers who have limited resources or who are working under time constraints, such as in a doctoral program. Pragmatism can also be helpful for avoiding getting bogged down in philosophical debates that aren’t relevant to the advancement of your study.