pragmatism

[prag-muh-tiz-uh m] /ˈpræg məˌtɪz əm/

noun

character or conduct that emphasizes practicality.

a philosophical movement or system having various forms, but generally stressing practical consequences as constituting the essential criterion in determining meaning, truth, or value.

Compare pragmaticism, instrumentalism.

Origin

1860-65; pragmat(ic) + -ism

Related forms

pragmatistic, adjective

antipragmatism, noun

Examples from the web for pragmatism

This notion is not naive ideology; it is hard-headed pragmatism.
Again, it is a question of pragmatism and proper roles.
Politicians are local and thus more inclined to pragmatism and constructive action.
These corporations are not capable of transcending the pragmatism of their products.
There is legislative pragmatism — writing bills that can pass.
His pragmatism has finally won out against his brother's doctrinaire Utopianism.
In this photo-heavy memoir, he makes it clear that he has built his business on sweat and pragmatism as much as he has on taste.
If so, somewhere in there pragmatism and a commitment to full parental responsibility did part ways.
Mostly it's just pragmatism — we can't afford to do everything at once.
As the Web moves from adolescence to adulthood, idealism is naturally giving way to pragmatism.

British Dictionary definitions for pragmatism

pragmatism

/ˈpræɡməˌtɪzəm/

noun

action or policy dictated by consideration of the immediate practical consequences rather than by theory or dogma

(philosophy)

the doctrine that the content of a concept consists only in its practical applicability
the doctrine that truth consists not in correspondence with the facts but in successful coherence with experience See also instrumentalism

Derived Forms

pragmatist, noun, adjective
pragmatistic, adjective

Word Origin and History for pragmatism

"matter-of-fact treatment," 1825, from Greek pragmat-, stem of pragma "that which has been done" (see pragmatic) + -ism. As a philosophical doctrine, 1898, said to be from 1870s; probably from German Pragmatismus. As a name for a political theory, from 1951. Related: Pragmatist (1630s as "busybody;" 1892 as "adherent of a pragmatic philosophy").

pragmatism in Medicine

pragmatism prag·ma·tism (prāg'mə-tĭz'əm)
n.
A way of approaching situations or solving problems that emphasizes practical applications and consequences.

prag·mat'ic (-māt'ĭk) adj.
prag'ma·tist n.

pragmatism in Culture

pragmatism definition

An approach to philosophy, primarily held by American philosophers, which holds that the truth or meaning of a statement is to be measured by its practical (i.e., pragmatic) consequences. William James and John Dewey were pragmatists.