Pragmatic refers to the set of rules that govern how people communicate with each other. These rules include turn taking, eye contact and body language. Children generally learn pragmatics implicitly by growing up in social environments where these rules are often modeled for them. Research has shown that individual differences in pragmatic ability correlate with linguistic growth and cognition. However, the correlations are complex and the exact nature of the relationship is not well understood.
Pragmatism has influenced many fields beyond philosophy. Applied fields like public administration, leadership studies, political science and international relations have incorporated the pragmatist perspective. It is also a major influence in education, particularly in the area of classroom learning.
In general, a person who is pragmatic is more likely to deal with things sensibly and realistically. They tend to see problems as challenges to be overcome rather than obstacles in the path of their goals. While this is often a positive trait, it can sometimes be at odds with taking risks or being a visionary. A pragmatic approach to morality, for instance, could lead someone to choose a course of action that is acceptable in the short term but may be harmful in the long run.
One of the most important aspects of pragmatism is its belief that something is true only insofar as it works. For example, a religious belief is believed to be true only if it has an effect on the lives of its followers. Likewise, the claim that the earth is the center of the universe is considered true only if it makes celestial navigation easier. In this way, pragmatism is a form of antithetical philosophy, arguing that it is not possible to state with absolute certainty what is or is not true.
Another important aspect of pragmatism is its emphasis on the connection between thought and action. For example, a person who believes that it is important to have a plan for the future will probably take steps to ensure that it happens. In this regard, a person who is pragmatic will probably be more likely to make a list of goals than someone who simply tries to act spontaneously.
A final important aspect of pragmatism is that it emphasizes the importance of evaluating ideas. This is why so many pragmatists, including John Dewey, believe that it is important to look at the consequences of an idea in order to determine its validity.
While pragmatism is an ancient philosophical movement, it has recently become a prominent trend in contemporary philosophy. In particular, it is becoming increasingly popular in the United States, where many of the key thinkers associated with pragmatism are from. However, pragmatism is also growing in popularity in other parts of the world, with vibrant networks developing in South America and Scandinavia. In addition, pragmatism has developed a close association with continental philosophy. It is therefore important for scholars to understand the roots of pragmatism and the ways in which it relates to other philosophical movements.
