Pragmatic is a philosophy that is interested in how people use language to communicate. It seeks to understand the meaning of words (semantics), what they actually refer to (metalanguage) and how they are used in particular situations. This approach is very different from other branches of philosophy such as logic, which focuses on the structure and properties of ideas, or syntax, which examines relationships among signs.
A person who is pragmatic will focus more on what works in real world situations rather than abstract theory or ideals. They are practical and results oriented, willing to compromise and see situations in a realistic way. They are willing to learn from mistakes and take into account new information and circumstances.
In his 1907 lecture series ‘Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking’, William James identified what is now called the ‘present dilemma in philosophy’: a fundamental clash between two ways of thinking. Pragmatism was his proposed solution to this dilemma, promising that it would reconcile an empiricist commitment to experience with the rationalist desire for a priori principles that appeal to reason.
The core of classical pragmatism was Peirce’s ‘Pragmatic Maxim’, which sought to clarify concepts by tracing their implications for experiences. This led to a distinctive epistemological outlook: a fallibilist, anti-Cartesian explication of the norms that govern inquiry. This influenced Dewey’s discourse ethics, which attempts to scaffold authentic communication free from the distortions of power and ideology.
As pragmatism evolved into its modern form, it became a philosophical movement with broad interest, spanning fields as diverse as ethics, philosophy of mind, law, philosophy of religion, and politics. In the latter half of the 20th century, a significant wave of ‘neopragmatist’ philosophers developed a wide variety of applications for pragmatism in their own areas of philosophical enquiry.
While neopragmatism has made significant contributions in these areas, its alleged neglect of one of pragmatism’s central concepts – namely truth – is of continuing concern. Attempts are underway to bring this back into the limelight, in line with classical pragmatism’s emphasis on ‘living truth’.
Pragmatism is a philosophical approach that is useful for all of us, especially when we are faced with complex and uncertain issues. Its emphasis on living truth, the need to learn from our mistakes and being flexible in face of changing circumstances allows it to provide a valuable framework for dealing with life’s challenges. It can help us to avoid the trap of’religious faith’ that is so often seen in our public debates and to become more open to dialogue with people from other religious traditions. It is also useful in helping to reframe the question of what it means to live in a secular society, so that we may be more able to find common ground in our conversations about values and principles. This can be done by acknowledging the complexity of moral problems and embracing a genuine dialogue of equals, which is based on the values of truth, freedom and democracy.