pragmatisms
Results-over-theory approaches
Pragmatisms is the plural of pragmatism, which names a philosophical tradition valuing practical consequences over abstract principles—ideas are judged by their real-world effects.
More loosely, pragmatism means a practical, results-oriented approach: Her pragmatism kept the project on budget.
The plural appears when discussing multiple philosophical schools or contrasting practical attitudes: the competing pragmatisms of James and Dewey.
American pragmatist philosopher-psychologist
- John DeweyProgressive pedagogy theorist
- instrumentalismTheories as useful tools
- functionalismTheory emphasizing purposes and roles
- consequentialismEthics judging by results
anti-foundationalism · pluralism · empiricism · utilitarianism · experimentalism · contextualism
Prioritizing practicality over ethics
- realismAccepting things as they are
- common senseNative practical judgment
- utilityFunctional worth or purpose
- feasibilityPotential for success
adaptability · flexibility · problem-solving · results-oriented · workability · efficiency · effectiveness · levelheadedness
Agreement through mutual sacrifice
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
- bipartisanshipCooperation between political rivals
- incrementalismChange through small steps
- realpolitikPolitics prioritizing practicality over ethics
deal-making · coalition-building · moderation · centrism · policy · reform · consensus · gradualism
William James
American pragmatist philosopher-psychologist
- John DeweyProgressive pedagogy theorist
- instrumentalismTheories as useful tools
- functionalismTheory emphasizing purposes and roles
consequentialism · anti-foundationalism · pluralism · empiricism · utilitarianism · experimentalism · contextualism
expediency
Prioritizing practicality over ethics
- realismAccepting things as they are
- common senseNative practical judgment
- utilityFunctional worth or purpose
feasibility · adaptability · flexibility · problem-solving · results-oriented · workability · efficiency · effectiveness · levelheadedness · resourcefulness
compromise
Agreement through mutual sacrifice
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
- bipartisanshipCooperation between political rivals
- incrementalismChange through small steps
realpolitik · deal-making · coalition-building · moderation · centrism · policy · reform · consensus · gradualism · trade-offs
pragmatismsidealism
Belief in noble principles
utopianism · dogmatism · ideologies · absolutism · pure theory
pragmatismsdogmatism
Unyielding adherence to doctrine
impracticality · idealism · fundamentalism · rigidity · inflexibility