Pragmatism as a Philosophy of Research

Summary

Pragmatism, rooted in the Greek word 'pragma' meaning action, emphasizes practicality and interaction with reality over abstract theorizing. It views knowledge as something built through experience and experimentation, with truth being a product of active inquiry. Originating in the late 1800s with Charles Sanders Peirce, pragmatism has evolved, influencing fields like social work and sociology. It has seen a resurgence since the 1970s, with proponents like Richard Rorty and Hillary Putnam, and has global influence in Europe, South America, and Asia.

Takeaways

• 🔍 **Pragmatism's Origin**: The term 'pragmatism' derives from the Greek word 'pragma', meaning action, highlighting its focus on practical application.
• 🌐 **Interaction with Reality**: Pragmatism emphasizes our interaction with external reality over mere representation or conceptualization.
• 🛠️ **Action-Oriented Ontology**: Pragmatism views reality through the lens of action, where experiences and understandings are justified through research and experimentation.
• 🏛️ **Value on Action**: Unlike some philosophies, pragmatism prioritizes practical action over abstract theory, focusing on what works in real-world scenarios.
• 🤔 **Contested Views on Reality**: While pragmatists generally oppose dualistic views of reality, there is a diversity of thought on the nature of truth within pragmatism.
• 🔬 **Epistemology through Action**: Knowledge in pragmatism is seen as constructed and modified through human actions and interactions.
• 🔍 **Truth and Scientific Inquiry**: Pragmatists seek truth through scientific methods, acknowledging the limitations and social influences on the process.
• 🌱 **Influence of Pragmatism**: Pragmatism originated in the U.S. in the late 1800s, with Charles Sanders Peirce as its founding figure.
• 🌟 **Pragmatism in Practice**: Figures like Jane Adams and George Herbert Mead applied pragmatism to fields like social work and social scientific research.
• 🌐 **Global Reach and Evolution**: Pragmatism has spread globally, with a resurgence in the 1970s and influence on critical perspectives like feminism, ecology, and race theory.

Q & A

What is the origin of the term 'pragmatism'?

Pragmatism shares a root with words like 'pragmatic', 'practice', and 'practical', stemming from the Greek word 'pragma', which means action.

How does pragmatism define its interaction with external reality?

In pragmatism, the most important touch point with external reality is through interaction with it, rather than merely representing or conceptualizing it.

What is the view of reality in pragmatism?

The ontology or view of reality in pragmatism is framed through action, emphasizing experiences and warranted assertions that have been justified through research and experimentation.

How does pragmatism differ from other philosophical approaches in its orientation to reality?

Pragmatism is contested by its practitioners, generally opposing Cartesian dualist framings of reality, while holding a more limited monistic view of truth compared to some other philosophical approaches.

Who are some key figures in the development of pragmatism?

Charles Sanders Peirce is considered the founder of pragmatism, with William James helping to popularize it. John Dewey is another central figure who established a pragmatic theory of knowledge.

What is the epistemological orientation of pragmatism?

The epistemological orientation of pragmatism centers around action, with knowledge being built and modified through the actions and interactions of people.

How does pragmatism view the process of seeking truth?

Pragmatism seeks truth through scientific inquiry and experimentation, acknowledging the limitations of these processes and the impact of social structures and power on truth-making.

What role does action play in the pragmatist perspective?

In pragmatism, action is crucial as it impacts and creates knowledge, with active methods of inquiry being important for learning and knowledge building.

How does pragmatism judge its own philosophy?

Pragmatism can be judged by its results, focusing on the practical outcomes and impacts of its application, rather than just theoretical correctness.

What were some early applications of pragmatism?

Early applications of pragmatism included Jane Adams' work in social work and George Herbert Mead's influence on social scientific research.

How has the influence of pragmatism evolved over time?

Pragmatism has had varied influence, with strong impacts during its initial spread and a rejuvenation in the 1970s onward, influencing critical perspectives such as feminism, ecology, and race theory.

Where is pragmatism currently thriving?

Pragmatism has expanded beyond the US and is currently thriving in areas of Europe, South America, and Asia, sometimes more so than in its birthplace.