Pragmatic is a word that describes an attitude or approach that balances the ideal with the practical. Pragmatists take a realistic view of situations and are often more successful than those who follow idealistic beliefs. They are able to look at all sides of an issue and find solutions that are both ethical and functional. For example, they might settle a lawsuit because it would be more expensive to fight it in court. This pragmatic decision is in the best interest of all parties involved.
The field of pragmatics is multifaceted and encompasses a range of topics, including the relationship between meaning and context, semantics, communication, language change, cultural pragmatics, the acquisition of pragmatic skills, the role of context in cognition, and the interaction between speech and action. There are also many different approaches to pragmatics, ranging from formal and computational to theoretical and applied. There is a strong interdisciplinary interest in pragmatics, and the field has produced an impressive body of literature.
A major theme of pragmatics is the idea that there is a gap between what is literally said in an utterance and its communicative intention. This gap must be bridged to understand the utterance. This involves a mixture of perception and some species of inference, which may be based on rules (e.g., induction, inference to the best explanation, or Bayesian reasoning), on general principles particular to communication as conceived by Grice (see this page for more on Grice), or on a form of empiricism and fallibilism similar to Quine’s naturalist metaphilosophy.
Pragmatics is a philosophical movement that grew out of the work of philosopher William James. James’s pragmatic philosophy was influenced by a wide variety of sources, including Wittgenstein and John Dewey, and it has roots in idealism, realism, and utilitarianism. James advocated a theory of knowledge that he called “pragmatism”—the belief that beliefs only qualify as true when they prove useful in inquiry and action.
This pragmatic perspective on knowledge is sometimes referred to as “epistemological relativism” and has become one of the most important aspects of contemporary pragmatism. Some pragmatists believe that pragmatic relativism is the only valid mode of knowing, but others disagree.
Pragmatic skills are essential for effective classroom communication and social-emotional learning. Teaching pragmatics can be done in a number of ways, including modeling and role-playing. In addition, integrating technology into lessons allows students to practice social and communication behaviors in a digital environment. Check out our free digital booklet, ‘Supporting the Pragmatic and Social Communication Skills of Deaf Children’ for more information and fun activities that promote the development of pragmatic skills. You can also explore our interactive, social skills apps and video modeling resources for more pragmatic learning opportunities.