Pragmatism
After understanding Idealism (mind creates reality) and Realism (reality is independent of mind), now we move to a philosophy that stands somewhere in between — practical, experience-driven, and solution-oriented:
This is Pragmatism.
What is Pragmatism?
🎯 Core Idea:
Meaning and knowledge are constructed through experience.
In simple words:
- Pragmatism says:
“Don’t waste time debating whether reality exists inside the mind or outside it.
Instead, focus on how things work in real life based on experience.”
Real-world analogy:
Suppose you’re designing a bridge.
Idealists might debate “what a bridge means in human thought”; realists might say “measure the river and apply engineering laws.”
A pragmatist?
He’ll say: “Let’s see what has worked before, try new designs if needed, learn from experience, and make the bridge that serves people best.”
Thus, experience, experimentation, and results are the heart of pragmatism.
Meaning in Pragmatism
- Meaning and knowledge are not fixed — they are understood only in terms of their role in real-life experience.
- What matters is how ideas help in adjusting to situations and solving real-world problems.
Thus, knowledge is judged not by abstract truth, but by practical consequences.
Key Features of Pragmatism
- Experience Matters Most
Pragmatism treats experience as the foundation for constructing meaning. - Experimental Inquiry
It encourages experimentation — trying things out practically to solve problems. - Truth is Evaluated through Consequences
If an idea works well when applied in the real world, it is considered “true” — at least for now.
Relation with Positivism
Pragmatism is seen as a modified form of Positivism.
Both believe in the scientific method, but there’s a crucial difference:
| Aspect | Positivism | Pragmatism |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Finding universal laws | Solving human problems |
| View on Values | Objective and value-free | Includes human attitudes, beliefs, norms |
| Method | Strictly empirical | Scientific, but flexible and human-centered |
Thus, pragmatism uses science, but with an added sensitivity to human values and social needs.
Example:
If studying urban poverty, a positivist may only collect income statistics.
A pragmatist will also consider people’s aspirations, cultural norms, and what practical solutions can improve lives.
Major Attributes of Pragmatism
- Current Reality is a Mix of Knowledge and Error
- Whatever we know today is a blend of correct understanding and mistakes.
- No knowledge is absolute.
- Reality and Mind are Both Changing
- The world keeps evolving.
- Our understanding of it also keeps shifting.
- Hence, no experiment’s result is guaranteed forever.
- Past success ≠ Future guarantee.
- Example: A flood control method that worked 20 years ago might fail today due to climate change.
- Failures Demand Revaluation
- If an experiment fails, don’t stubbornly stick to old ideas.
- Instead, rethink assumptions, modify hypotheses, and try new solutions.
- Scientific Method and Hypothetico-Deductive Model are Best
- Despite uncertainties, the scientific method (observation → hypothesis → testing → conclusion) is still the best tool we have.
- Hypothetico-deductive models — proposing hypotheses and then testing them — are especially valued.
- Logic as a Problem-Solving Tool
- Logic should not be abstract.
- It should be applied to practical problems for human welfare.
Simple Flowchart for Understanding Pragmatism
Experience → Problem → Hypothesis → Experimentation → Adjustment based on Results → Human Welfare
Thus, pragmatism is an adaptive, dynamic philosophy —
always questioning, always modifying, always aiming for better real-world outcomes.
Here is one line summary for pragmatism:
“Pragmatism says: Knowledge is not about eternal truths; it’s about what works best here and now for human welfare.”