Pragmatic is a branch of philosophy that deals with the meaning and use of language. It is based on the idea that the meaning of an utterance depends on context. A person’s intentions, previous experiences and the expectations of the listener are important in determining the meaning of a communication. Pragmatics also takes into account the fact that language is often ambiguous.
For example, a newspaper might report that “a stolen painting was found by a tree.” The statement may be true; however, there is an ambiguity in the way the sentence is phrased. The word ambiguity means that the utterance can be interpreted in two different ways, either that the tree was able to find the stolen painting or that the tree stumbled upon it.
Pragmatism is a philosophical school of thought that originated in the United States around 1870 and currently presents a third alternative to both analytic and ‘Continental’ philosophical traditions worldwide. The first generation of pragmatist philosophers, known as the classic pragmatists, included Charles Sanders Peirce, who introduced and developed the philosophy, and William James, who put these ideas to work in the field of inquiry and truth. A second generation of pragmatists turned the philosophy towards politics, education and social improvement under the influence of John Dewey.
Sociology and anthropology—the study of human societies and cultures—played large roles in the development of pragmatics. Morris drew heavily from these disciplines in his theory of the pragmatics of language and action, writing that it involves more than just words but includes the “all-important social signs” that people communicate through their actions and gestures.
In the classroom, teachers can introduce pragmatics through activities that focus on a variety of functions, including greetings, asking for help, giving advice, making requests and closing conversations. For instance, a teacher can have students role-play a series of different situations in which a request would be made, and then ask them to choose the appropriate response. Then, the teacher and students can discuss why certain responses are more appropriate than others.
A defining feature of pragmatism is its emphasis on the value and meaning of research based on the pragmatic application of knowledge. This pragmatist approach to research is in direct opposition to metaphysical ideas of reality and truth that have dominated much of the philosophy of science since the Enlightenment.
In the business world, a pragmatic mindset is becoming increasingly necessary for survival. A pragmatic leader knows that the quickest and most efficient way to achieve business goals is by being as straightforward as possible with colleagues, customers and investors. It is important to understand that this approach can have its downsides, however. For example, a lack of clarity in communication can lead to miscommunication and even lost opportunities. Having the courage to be pragmatic can ultimately lead to greater success in business. By being willing to be honest with those in and out of the office, businesses can build trust and maintain integrity.