Pragmatic is the study of language that focuses on how speakers communicate and what they mean when they use words. The scholarly field of pragmatics encompasses many different types of research, such as formal and computational pragmatics; theoretical and applied pragmatics; game-theoretic, clinical and experimental pragmatics; intercultural and interlinguistic pragmatics; and neuropragmatics.
In contrast to neo-Kantianism and other philosophies of truth that focus on the objective nature of knowledge, pragmatics seeks to understand how knowledge is constructed and used. It considers the contextual and social factors that influence a speaker’s meaning potential in a particular situation.
The pragmatist theory of knowledge also suggests that, as with a tool, ideas are effective in certain contexts and not others. They are suggestions and anticipations of possible actions rather than replicas of external objects or impressions, and can help guide behaviour. In this way, they are akin to practical ideas, in which the effectiveness of an idea is measured by its ability to facilitate change and control action. Pragmatists are therefore critical of metaphysical doctrines that impose a ‘truth’ on the world that is incapable of changing or being controlled by individuals.
People who are pragmatists make decisions with a view to maximizing the chances of success. This means they weigh up the consequences and general welfare of their choices, and take risks where appropriate. For example, they might be willing to take a job that pays less than ideal, because it is more likely to provide them with long-term security and a good quality of life. Pragmatists tend to be more successful than their hedonistic peers, because they prioritize what matters to them and avoid unnecessary delays.
Attempting to be pragmatic is not easy, and it requires considerable self-confidence. However, it is a mindset that can be learned and developed. The first step is to strengthen your own self-confidence by focusing on what you have achieved in the past and learning to trust your instincts. Once you have built up your confidence, it’s then a matter of consciously making a habit of acting pragmatically in every day situations. If you find that your decision-making is slow and procrastinated, try focusing on small tasks to develop a routine.
A major limitation of pragmatism is that it can be difficult to apply its principles universally. This is due to the fact that it is based on context, and that different situations require a variety of approaches. This does not diminish its value, but it is worth recognizing that it may not be applicable to all circumstances.
To overcome this difficulty, you should strive to be a little more cautious in your interactions with other people and learn to distinguish pragmatic from non-pragmatic language. This will ensure that you are not being influenced by other people’s attitudes or beliefs. You should also be more willing to try out new ways of interacting and make the most of your opportunities. Ultimately, this will result in you being a more enlightened and savvy person.
