PRAGMATISM

Pragmatism is derived from the Greek

word pragma which means action or
practice/practical.

Pragmatism was a philosophical

tradition that originated in the United
states around 1870. The philosophy that
the truth of an idea is dependent on its
workability; ideas or principles is true so
far as they work.

For Pragmatists, only those things that

are experienced or observed are real.
 THE MOST IMPORTANT OF THE
CLASSICAL PRAGMATISTS

Charles Sanders Peirce (1839-1914)

William James (1842-1910)

John Dewey (1859-1952)

CHARLES SANDERS PEIRCE

He coined the term

Pragmatism.

He saw it as more a
technique to help us find
solutions than a
philosophy or solution to
problems.
WILLIAM JAMES

He further advanced
Peirces Theory of Truth
The world came to
know pragmatism in a
systematic way because
of him.
JOHN DEWEY

He attempted to
combine both Peirces and
James philosophies of
Pragmatism. It was both
about logical concepts as
well as ethical analysis.

For Dewey, the method

of philosophy, like the
method of science, was
experimental.
FORMS OF PRAGMATISM

Humanistic Pragmatism
- According to it the satisfaction of
human nature is the criterion of utility.

Experimental Pragmatism
- The human problems can be solved
only through experiment
FORMS OF PRAGMATISM

Nominalistic Pragmatism
- The results of an experiment are
always particular and concrete, never
general and abstract.

Biological Pragmatism
- The ultimate aim of all knowledge is
harmony of the man with the
environment.
PRINCIPLES OF PRAGMATISM
a) Pluralism
- The ultimate reality is not one but
many.
b) Emphasis on Change
- Truth is always in the making.
c) Utilitarianism
- Utility is the test of all truth and
reality.
d) Changing Aim and Values
- The aim and values of life change
in different times and climes.
PRINCIPLES OF PRAGMATISM

e) Individualism
- Maximum premium upon freedom
in human life.
f) Emphasis on Social Aspects
- A man success is success in society.
g) Experimentalism
- More importance to action than
ideas.
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GODBLESS