Pragmatic is an adjective that describes a person who focuses on practical results rather than on theories or ideals. It also refers to a particular philosophy that emphasizes the connection between thought and action. Pragmatism is widely embraced in fields like business, management, and leadership.
The word pragmatic is derived from the Latin word praxi, meaning “practical.” It describes someone who takes the most useful approach to situations and problems, and avoids excessive abstraction. A pragmatic person has a no-nonsense attitude, and is not afraid to make decisions that will impact others. They are able to stay calm in crisis, and they can make practical decisions based on real-world circumstances instead of big-picture ideals or emotions.
This practical approach to life can be a good thing, but there are also some flaws in pragmatism. For one, it can lead to a skewed view of reality. Just because something produces acceptable results doesn’t mean that it is true. For example, if we tell a child that there are invisible gremlins living in electrical outlets and that they bite when touched, this will be effective in keeping the child from touching the outlet. However, there is no evidence that gremlins actually exist or that biting from an outlet causes any injuries.
Despite these flaws, pragmatism is still an important philosophy. It can provide some valuable insights into how people think and act, as well as into what kinds of solutions are most effective in different situations.
People who are pragmatic are able to weigh the pros and cons of a decision and find ways to overcome obstacles. They can also recognize when their solution is not the most beneficial for everyone involved. For example, a person who wants to save wildlife may take the more difficult path that will involve relocating animals rather than just killing them. They may be able to convince the rest of the community that the sacrifice is worth it in order to achieve their goal.
There are a variety of philosophical schools that incorporate pragmatism in their teachings. It is often linked to John Dewey’s and Jane Addams’ social activism, and it is often used by feminist philosophers to promote women’s rights. Pragmatic ideas have also been incorporated into fields like education, organizational psychology, and research methodology.
If you’re working with a Pragmatic person, be sure to get to the point quickly. They love efficiency and don’t want to waste time. They will make decisions quickly and may even cancel a deal if they feel that the process is being drawn out too much. They are dominant, strong, and decisive. They can be stubborn and sometimes arrogant, especially if they feel that their way is the only way to success. For these reasons, they will need to be shown how to succeed in their field and why their method is the best. If they don’t see that evidence, they will be prone to cancelling the deal or finding a new company.