PRAGMATISM:PROBLEM SOLVER IN A

PLURALISTIC SOCIETY

PRAGMATISM

Pragmatism is America’s acknowledged contribution to the science of philosophy.

Developed in the 19th century which saw the rise of science, scientific inquiry and experimental method, and was profoundly influenced by Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution.

Three American Thinkers figured prominently in the development of

Pragmatism

Charles Sanders Peirce (1839-1914)

William James (1842-1910)John Dewey (1859-1952)

PRAGMATISMDewey’s basic definition of pragmatism is

that it is “ the theory that the processes and the materials of knowledge are determined by practical or purposive consideration”. According to Peirce the pragmatists’ view is supported by he practices of experimental science specifically the laboratory method in which the hypotheses are ideas or proposed solutions to felt problems. These are tested an either rejected or confirmed. Truth, therefore, is that which works and is successful in solving problems.

PRAGMATISMThe pragmatists’ focus on

consequences and how they are controlled through intelligence is the foundation of their concepts of person and society.

A person is a social animal because association rather than isolation is the law that governs everything that exists. The ends of associative life such as survival, habits of action and thought, and, choice of consequences are served by numerous social groups.

PRAGMATISMTo the pragmatists, society is pluralistic, not an

entity in itself, but a collection of interacting primary groups. These smaller groups however produce consequences on persons other than those who directly participate in these primary groups.

Hence there arose a distinct concern in the formation of public forms of associative life like the state and emerging international groups like the UNO, ASEAN, APEC, European Union, etc. On these groups rest the responsibility that the consequences of primary groups do not themselves go beyond their own shared interests.

In summary, pragmatism views a person as a problem solver in an environment of pluralism of groups, interests, and consequences.

The End …