Pragmatic is a word used to describe something that is practical or reasonable. People are often told that they need to be more pragmatic and focus on the real options and courses of action rather than sticking to their ideals. This is because many people believe that being pragmatic is the way to get results and be successful in life. However, being pragmatic does not mean that one should not hold onto their ideals if those ideas are worthwhile and would improve society. It simply means that one needs to weigh the costs and benefits of each option.
Pragmatism is a philosophy that was developed in the United States during the nineteenth century. It has since become a growing third alternative to the dominant analytic and continental philosophy traditions worldwide. This philosophy presents a distinctive approach to epistemology and ethics as well as providing a new perspective on the nature of reality and truth. Its development was largely due to Charles Sanders Peirce (1839-1914) and his influential Harvard colleague William James (1842-1910). This school of thought also influenced later philosophers such as George Herbert Mead, Alfred North Whitehead, Alain Locke, and Thomas Kuhn.
The philosophy of pragmatism can be described as a ‘third way’ between the analytic philosophical schools and continental philosophies like idealism, existentialism, and naturalism. While analytic philosophy tends to focus on the formal, logical elements of an argument, pragmatism looks at the way that people actually use concepts and words in their lives. For this reason, pragmatism is sometimes considered a naturalistic philosophy because it focuses on the way that things are actually done and what outcomes are actually produced.
There are some major flaws in pragmatism, especially when it is applied to moral issues. For example, a person who is a pragmatic moralist may argue that something is right if it works, but this could be based on a completely subjective and personal definition of what “works.” This type of pragmatism can lead to very harmful situations, such as racism, for instance.
There are some who have criticized this view because it is not as rigorous as other types of philosophy, but others think that it is a very valid philosophy to consider. It has also been a useful philosophy for developing social science, such as the sociology of language and the anthropology of sign systems. In addition, it is a powerful tool for understanding how culture affects human behavior and the way that people perceive reality. This is why pragmatism remains an important philosophy to study and to apply to daily life.
