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 of pragmatism
First recorded in 1860–65;
pragmat(ic) +
-ism
OTHER WORDS FROM pragmatism
prag·ma·tis·tic, adjective an·ti·prag·ma·tism, nounWords nearby pragmatism
Example sentences from the Web for 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 experienceSee also instrumentalism
Derived forms of pragmatism
pragmatist, noun, adjective pragmatistic, adjectiveMedical definitions for pragmatism
pragmatism
[ prăg′mə-tĭz′əm ]
n.
A way of approaching situations or solving problems that emphasizes practical applications and consequences.
Other words from pragmatism
prag•mat′ic (-măt′ĭk) adj. prag′ma•tist n.Cultural definitions for pragmatism
pragmatism
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.