What Is Pragmatic Thinking?

Pragmatic is a word used to describe a person who is focused on results and the consequences of their actions, rather than adherence to ideals. A pragmatic approach to solving problems is often more successful than an idealistic one. For example, a businessperson may choose to settle a lawsuit instead of fighting it in court, because they know that settling will save them more money in the long run. A person who is pragmatic will also consider the big picture when making decisions, such as the effect a purchase will have on family members or the community.

Pragmatists are interested in how language is used in a particular context. They also focus on the social and cultural aspects of language use. For example, a neopragmatist might study the ways in which people use metaphors and irony to communicate ideas. A neopragmatist might also focus on the ways in which a person’s gender, culture, and level of education can impact their speech.

The earliest pragmatist was Charles Peirce. His writings influenced John Dewey and William James, among others. James famously described a clash between two ways of thinking that he promised pragmatism would bridge: the tough-minded empiricist commitment to experience and the tender-minded reliance on a priori principles which appeal to rationality.

Modern pragmatism is divided into different disciplines and methods, which include semantics and grammatical theory, conversational pragmatics, and theoretical pragmatics. Pragmatics has a special interest in the notion of communicative intention, which is the motivation for an act of speaking, and how that intention is realized through language. The distinction between semantics and pragmatics is that semantics studies the significance conventionally or literally attached to words and sentences, while pragmatics focuses on how those meanings vary from context to context.

A common misconception about pragmatism is that it is amoral or utilitarian, but this is not true. A person can be ethical or moral while being pragmatic. For example, a person might kill their creditor to avoid paying their debt, but this is not pragmatic because it will have bad consequences for everyone involved.

Supporting pragmatic skills requires consistent exposure to a variety of real-life settings and situations, as well as regular communication between teachers and parents or caregivers to share observations, strategies, and progress. Explicitly teach social rules and expectations, and provide opportunities to role-play and practice in different settings. Additionally, a holistic approach to supporting pragmatics may involve community outings and structured group activities, such as drama. It is important to create a positive environment that fosters open communication and respect for diverse perspectives.