Pragmatic is a philosophical approach that emphasizes real-world applications of knowledge and focuses on practical outcomes rather than theory. Its anti-dualist perspectives and emphasis on action make it a useful framework to navigate qualitative applied social research, particularly within NGO processes. Its pragmatic approach also encourages researchers to be flexible in their investigative techniques by ensuring that they are guided by the practical goals of their work and by their ability to carry their research from practice into theory.
Generally speaking, pragmatics is about understanding what is meant by the words people use and how they are used in different situations and across languages. This includes the principles of realism, communicative competence and turn-taking norms in conversation as well as the meanings of ambiguity and context.
A central principle of pragmatics is that truth is relative and that there is no one, absolute truth. The concept of truth is therefore based on the pragmatic maxim: ‘be a person who can be understood’ (Peirce, 1970). This principle means that we must communicate as clearly as possible in order to ensure our messages are understood by those to whom we address them.
Another pragmatic principle is ‘be a person who can do’ (Peirce, 1971). This refers to our capabilities and what we are able to achieve in the immediate future, such as our current resources and limitations. By being a person who can do, we can set achievable goals for ourselves and reduce the likelihood of failure.
Being pragmatic can have positive effects in personal relationships and professional settings as well. Individuals who possess strong pragmatic communication skills are able to understand and respond to their colleagues’ needs, effectively negotiate conflicts and build meaningful connections that are rooted in trust and understanding. Pragmatic communication skills are essential in the workplace, as they allow individuals to navigate office dynamics, collaborate effectively with others and express their ideas clearly.
James believed that the history of philosophy was ‘to a great extent a conflict between two ways of thinking’ (James 1907). The pragmatists take an empiricist attitude and go by ‘the facts’, while the traditionalists prefer a priori principles and rationalisation. In his view, pragmatism could resolve this conflict by offering a middle ground between these opposing viewpoints. Pragmatism is a philosophy that allows us to find the best solutions for our problems, whether they are big or small. The pragmatists believe that the most important thing is to get things done, and this philosophy provides us with tools to do just that. It’s no wonder that this pragmatic approach is found in the world of business, politics and other fields that demand real-world results and a solution to the problems they face on a daily basis. The pragmatists’ pragmatic philosophy has inspired a number of liberatory philosophical projects such as feminism, ecology and Native American philosophy. However, it is important to note that pragmatism cannot be considered as a full-fledged theory of truth.