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PRAGMATISM
What is Pragmatism?
The term pragmatism derives its origin from a Greek word meaning
to do, to make, to accomplish. So the use of words likes action or
practice or activity. Action gets priority over thought. Experience
is at the centre of the universe. Everyone is tested on the
touch-stone of experience. Beliefs and ideas are true if they are
workable and profitable otherwise false.
PRAGMATISM as a philosophical movementA philosophical movement
first given systematic expression and consists of varying but
associated theories, originally developed by Charles S. Peirce and
William James and later taken up and transformed by John Dewey.
Distinguished by the doctrine that the meaning of an idea or a
proposition lies in its observable practical
consequences.Pragmatists emphasize the practical function of
knowledge as an instrument for adapting to reality and controlling
it.
Main Proponents of PragmatismPragmatism originated as a
philosophical movement in the United States in the late 1800s. Its
main proponents were Charles Sanders Peirce, William James and John
Dewey (all members of The Metaphysical Club) as well as George
Herbert Mead.
Charles Sanders PeirceCharles Sanders Peirce was an American
philosopher, logician, mathematician, and scientist, sometimes
known as The Father of Pragmatism". The crux of Peirces pragmatism
is that for any statement to be meaningful, it must have practical
bearings.
William James
An American philosopher and psychologist who was also trained as
a physician. The first educator to offer a psychology course in the
United States, James was one of the leading thinkers of the late
nineteenth century and is believed by many to be one of the most
influential philosophers the United States has ever produced, while
others have labelled him the "Father of American
psychology".William James, the author of the Pragmatic Theory,
defines truth in terms of the usefulness of a belief. He thinks
that useful beliefs are true and useless beliefs are false.
John Dewey
Father of Modern Experiential EducationAmerican philosopher and
educator who was a leading exponent of philosophical pragmatism and
rejected traditional methods of teaching by rote in favor of a
broad-based system of practical experience.An early proponent of
progressive education, maintained that schools should reflect the
life of the society. Education is not preparation for life;
education is life itself.
George Herbert MeadAmerican philosopher, sociologist and
psychologist, primarily affiliated with the University of Chicago,
where he was one of several distinguished pragmatists.One of the
founders of social psychology and the American sociological
tradition.The two most important roots of Mead's work are the
philosophy of pragmatism and social behaviorism.
FORMS OF PRAGMATISM1. HUMANISTIC PRAGMATISMThis type of
pragmatism is particularly found in social sciences. According to
it the satisfaction of human nature is the criterion of utility. In
philosophy, in religion and even in science man is the aim of all
thinking and everything else is a means to achieve human
satisfaction.
2. EXPERIMENTAL PRAGMATISMModern science is based upon
experimental method. The fact that can be ascertained by experiment
is true. No truth is final, truth is known only to the extent it is
useful in practice. The pragmatists use this criterion of truth in
every field of life. The human problems can be solved only through
experiment.
3. NOMINALISTIC PRAGMATISM
When we make any experiment we attend to the result. Our aim is
examination of the material. Some hypothesis about the results
invariably precedes every experiment. According to nominalistic
pragmatism, the results of an experiment are always particular and
concrete, never general and abstract.
4. BIOLOGICAL PRAGMATISMExperimentalism of John Dewey is based
upon this biological pragmatism according to which the ultimate aim
of all knowledge is harmony of the man with the environment.
Education develops social skill which facilitates ones life. The
school is a miniature society which prepares the child for future
life.
PRINCIPLES OF PRAGMATISM
PLURALISM
Philosophically, the pragmatists are pluralists. According to
them there are as many words as human beings. The ultimate reality
is not one but many. Everyone searches truth and aim of life
according to his experiences.
EMPHASIS ON CHANGEThe pragmatists emphasize change. The world is
a process, a constant flux. Truth is always in the making. The
world is ever progressing and evolving. Therefore, everything here
is changing.
UTILITARIANISMPragmatists are utility is the test of all truth
and reality. A useful principle is true. Utility means fulfillment
of human purposes. The results decide the good and evil of
anything, idea, beliefs and acts. Utility means satisfaction of
human needs.
CHANGING AIM AND VALUESThe aim and values of life change in
different times and climes. The old aims and values, therefore,
cannot be accepted as they are. Human life and the world is a
laboratory in which the aims and values are developed.
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