Pragmatic is a term used to describe someone who is practical and able to make decisions based on real-world circumstances. A person who is pragmatic is able to see the big picture, but also knows that each situation requires its own unique solution. Some examples of pragmatic behavior include avoiding risky ventures, using a common sense approach to situations, and adapting to changing conditions.
The word pragmatic comes from the Greek phrase pragma, meaning “deed; state of affairs.” People who are pragmatic tend to be concerned with issues and facts that they can touch or use in some way, rather than with theories and ideas that are not immediately applicable. This pragmatic approach to life can be positive, but it is also a trait that can lead to cynicism and indifference.
Some people are naturally pragmatic in how they approach problems, which is a desirable quality. It is not uncommon to hear about a pragmatic politician who remains calm and thinks logically during a crisis, or a craftsman who makes a practical decision when his hammer falls off the scaffolding while he is working high in the air.
A person who is pragmatic also tends to be less affected by emotional pressures or fear, which is another useful attribute in a crisis. It is a trait that can be difficult to develop, but the more you practice it, the easier it becomes.
Pragmatic people are often very good at making connections between seemingly unrelated issues and events, which helps them keep their head during a stressful time. In a business environment, a pragmatic person is able to quickly assess and adjust their goals and strategies as necessary. This is important because business trends are always changing, so a person who is pragmatic is able to evolve with the times and continue to be successful.
In the classroom, pragmatics is an area of language studies that focuses on how we convey meaning through speech and body language. It is a concept that encompasses the many socially constructed rules of turn taking, greetings, eye contact, body language and the ways in which individuals are referenced in conversations. It is a complex subject, and lessons are often focused on specific language functions such as requesting, apologizing, giving advice, or closing a conversation.
One of the most critical aspects of pragmatics is learning to adapt your language based on your audience and the context in which you are speaking. This might involve changing vocabulary, sentence structure or even formality depending on who you are communicating with and the circumstances of the conversation. It is a very important skill to have, and it can be an excellent way to build relationships with people of diverse backgrounds.
Pragmatism is a philosophical school of thought that developed in the United States and is now considered to be a third alternative to analytic and continental philosophy traditions. It was founded by Charles Sanders Peirce and offers a middle ground between the idealist and logical skepticism schools of thought.