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pragmatism
[ prag-muh-tiz-uhm ]
noun
- character or conduct that emphasizes practicality.
- a philosophical movement or system having various forms, but generally stressing practical consequences as constituting the essential criterion in determining meaning, truth, or value.
pragmatism
/ ˈpræɡməˌtɪzəm /
noun
- action or policy dictated by consideration of the immediate practical consequences rather than by theory or dogma
- philosophy
- the doctrine that the content of a concept consists only in its practical applicability
- the doctrine that truth consists not in correspondence with the facts but in successful coherence with experience See also instrumentalism
pragmatism
- An approach to philosophy , primarily held by American philosophers , which holds that the truth or meaning of a statement is to be measured by its practical (i.e., pragmatic) consequences. William James and John Dewey were pragmatists.
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Derived Forms
- ˈpragmatist, nounadjective
- ˌpragmaˈtistic, adjective
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Other Words From
- pragma·tistic adjective
- anti·pragma·tism noun
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Word History and Origins
Origin of pragmatism1
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Example Sentences
We have to figure out a way to balance desire for the pure, non-utilitarian nature of literature with the recognition that pragmatism isn’t bad.
Beijing ignores the fact that Hong Kong’s value rests with its judicial independence, common law, and unique blend of progressive ideals and business pragmatism.
The Second World War saw utopian dreams wane, to be replaced by pragmatism.
Her pragmatism was a draw for me, Mihlali knew that, but I could also tell she was as enthusiastic about it as I was.
Instead, pragmatism and strategic interests guide these initiatives.
De Robertis, an East Village mainstay, closes tomorrow—a moment for nostalgia, but also pragmatism.
But the more they speak, the more the two are bound by pragmatism.
He defends pragmatism because Quality can be found everywhere.
Magic in the Moonlight really seems to explore the battle between pragmatism and “magic.”
What plays as depthless violence and bruising circus on screen obscures commercial pragmatism.
During the past few years Eucken has devoted much attention to the Life-system presented in Pragmatism.
Pragmatism has the merit of insisting that the task be done piecemeal, so that man may not lose heart at the very outset.
It is pragmatism as method which is emphasized, I take it, in the subtitle, "a new name for some old ways of thinking."
The alternative between rationalism and pragmatism "concerns the structure of the universe itself" (p. 258).
Strict pragmatism would seem to require the first interpretation.
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Related Words
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More About Pragmatism
What does pragmatism mean?
Pragmatism is a way of dealing with problems or situations that focuses on practical approaches and solutions—ones that will work in practice, as opposed to being ideal in theory.
The word pragmatism is often contrasted with the word idealism, which means based on or having high principles or ideals. Pragmatism, on the other hand, is based on real-world conditions or circumstances—considering what can realistically be done as opposed to the best theoretical course of action.
More specifically, pragmatism can refer to the philosophical movement or approach that emphasizes practical consequences in the determination of meaning, truth, or value.
The adjective form pragmatic means practical, especially when making decisions. The word pragmatist can refer to a person who prefers to act pragmatically, or to a philosopher who adheres to the movement of pragmatism.
Example: We need a candidate who values pragmatism and can get things done in the real world—not some idealist who will never compromise.
Where does pragmatism come from?
The first records of the word pragmatism come from the 1800s. It ultimately derives from the Greek pragmatikós, meaning “practical,” from pragma, meaning “act,” from prā́ssein, “to do.” The words practical and praxis derive from the same root.
People considered idealistic typically try to achieve the best-case scenario—the one based on their ideals. Such idealists are sometimes told they should try pragmatism, meaning they should focus on the realistic options or courses of action. Of course, many people navigate life with a balance of pragmatism and idealism: sometimes they compromise, and sometimes they stick to their principles no matter what.
Pragmatism isn’t always contrasted with idealism. Sometimes, it’s just used to refer to a practical, logical, or sensible way of doing things.
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What are some other forms related to pragmatism?
- pragmatist (noun)
- pragmatic (adjective)
What are some words that share a root or word element with pragmatism?
What are some words that often get used in discussing pragmatism?
How is pragmatism used in real life?
Pragmatism is commonly used in a positive way in the context of choices or actions that are considered practical and reasonable. It’s often used in the context of political positions or actions.
I wish we wouldn’t conflate “complete lack of imagination” with “critical thinking and pragmatism”
— josie duffy rice (@jduffyrice) June 13, 2020
Is pragmatism really pragmatism if you continually try to solve problems with solutions that have already shown to be ineffective?
Just a thought.
— Jonathan Braylock (@jonbraylock) June 10, 2020
Art should never be bound by pragmatism.
— Jonathan R Johnson (@walks_among_us) June 10, 2020
Try using pragmatism!
Which of the following words is LEAST like to describe an action that’s considered an example of pragmatism?
A. realistic
B. sensible
C. utilitarian
D. idealistic
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