Pragmatic is a philosophical concept that was first developed by Charles Sanders Peirce. He defined it as a theory of truth that focuses on the idea that something is true insofar as it works. This approach to truth is a form of instrumentalist thinking, which has also been used by philosophers such as William James. The philosophy of pragmatism has had a major impact on a variety of fields, including sociology, psychology, philosophy of science, and educational philosophy. It is a significant influence on liberatory philosophical projects in areas such as feminism, ecology, Native American philosophy, and Latin American philosophy.
The word pragmatic is derived from the Greek pragmatikos, which means “of practical value.” It also derives from the Latin prassein, which means to take action. The term is often used to refer to an attitude of putting practicality before ideology or dogma in the context of politics and the arts, but it can also be applied to personal characteristics. People who are pragmatic tend to be concerned more with results than with ideals, for instance, they may prioritize getting things done over adhering to strict political or ethical standards. They are also able to adapt to changing circumstances and take into account other viewpoints.
Among the most famous pragmatists are James, Dewey, and Putnam. Dewey was the main proponent of a pragmatic approach to education, which emphasizes developing a student’s intellectual and emotional maturity and allowing them to learn in a way that suits their individual strengths and interests. Moreover, Dewey promoted a pragmatic view of religion that is inclusive of all faiths and does not deny the existence of transcendent realities.
A notable feature of pragmatism is its emphasis on the importance of the linguistic dimension of truth. This aspect is referred to as pragmatics, and there are a number of different approaches to the study of pragmatics. For example, some pragmatists have developed a version of logic that incorporates pragmatic considerations. This approach has also been applied to the field of anthropology, where it is known as cultural pragmatics.
Other pragmatists have developed approaches to the philosophy of language and semantics, and have incorporated a pragmatic analysis into the analytic tradition of Western philosophy. There is now a broad range of neopragmatist literature on both linguistic and semantic pragmatics. Some of this literature has been criticised as relativistic by other neopragmatists and analytic philosophers. Nonetheless, many analytic philosophers have recognized the value of pragmatics and have been working to bridge the gap between pragmatism and other traditions, including continental philosophy. For instance, Habermas’ discourse ethics, which aims to provide a framework for authentic communication free from distortions of power and ideological interests, draws heavily on pragmatism. In addition, many of the concepts and arguments found in neopragmatism have been borrowed by other philosophers, particularly in fields such as social philosophy, theology, and law. This has led to a wider acceptance of pragmatism in academia and popular culture.