Pragmatism is a philosophy that believes knowledge comes from practical experience and action. For pragmatists, ideas are constructed from experience rather than existing independently. Truth is determined by what works rather than corresponding to objective or absolute facts. Pragmatism focuses on solving problems in an interdisciplinary way through hands-on learning. John Dewey applied pragmatism to education by arguing schools should emphasize social experience and prepare students for citizenship through experimental inquiry and real-world problem solving.

1. CRISTY MELLOSO
Pragmatism (Experientialism)
The word pragmatism is derived from the Greek word “Pragma” which means Practice.
Pragmatists firmly hold that the meaning of concepts lie in their practical consequences,
and knowledge develops from practice. According to Peirce (Charles Sanders Peirce -
an American philosopher, logician, mathematician, and scientist who is sometimes known as
"the father of pragmatism"), a great pragmatist, if we need to know the meaning of the
word hard , we have to carry out an experiment. The experiment is we have to scratch
something and find the effect of scratching. If the thing is easily scratched, it is soft, if
not, it is hard.
Pragmatism is also called experientialism because pragmatists believe experience as the
only basis for knowledge. For pragmatists, there is no absolute or fixed truth and value.
He says:
“With the advent of democracy and modern industrial conditions, it is impossible to
foretell definitely just what civilization will be twenty years from now. Hence, it is
impossible to prepare the child for any precise set of conditions.”
For pragmatists, only those things that are experienced or observed are real. In this
late 19th century American philosophy, the focus is on the reality of experience. Unlike
the Realists and Rationalists, Pragmatists believe that reality is constantly changing and
that we learn best through applying our experiences and thoughts to problems, as
they arise. The universe is dynamic and evolving, a "becoming" view of the world. There is
no absolute and unchanging truth, but rather, truth is what works. Pragmatism is derived
from the teaching of Charles Sanders Peirce (1839-1914), who believed that thought must
produce action, rather than linger in the mind and lead to indecisiveness.
John Dewey (1859-1952) applied pragmatist philosophy in his progressive approaches. He
believed that learners must adapt to each other and to their environment. Schools
should emphasize the subject matter of social experience. All learning is dependent on the
context of place, time, and circumstance. Different cultural and ethnic groups learn to
work cooperatively and contribute to a democratic society. The ultimate purpose is the
creation of a new social order. Character development is based on making group decisions
in light of consequences.
For Pragmatists, teaching methods focus on hands-on problem solving, experimenting, and
projects, often having students work in groups. Curriculum should bring the disciplines
together to focus on solving problems in an interdisciplinary way. Rather than passing down
organized bodies of knowledge to new learners, Pragmatists believe that learners should

2. apply their knowledge to real situations through experimental inquiry. This prepares
students for citizenship, daily living, and future careers.
INTRODUCTION TO PRAGMATISM
According to Robert R. Rusk, the Oxford Dictionary first referred to the term pragmatic
in 1643 and the term pragmatism in 1663. According to the Concise Oxford Dictionary the
term pragmatic means dealing with matters according to their practical significance or
immediate importance. The term pragmatism, according to the same source, means
Doctrine that evaluates any assertion solely by its practical consequences and its bearing
on human interests. The term pragmatism has been derived from the Greek term
Pragma which means action. Thus, pragmatism is an ism according to which uses the
criteria of reality. Pragmatism is basically an epistemological undertaking keynoted by its
theory of truth and meaning. This theory states that truth can be known only through its
practical consequence and thus individual or a social matter rather than an absolute. Action
gets priority over thought. Everyone is tested on the touch-stone of experience. Beliefs
and ideas are true if they are workable and profitable otherwise false. There are no final
or fixed values. They are evolved and are not true for all times and for all situations.
According to an undeviating standard of worth, pragmatism tends to be individualistic,
selfish, has no values, has no ethics and is thus superficial.
Pragmatism as a school of Philosophy
"Pragmatism is a temper of mind, an attitude, it is also a theory of the nature of
ideas and truth and finally it is a theory about reality.”
-William James
Pragmatism vs. Idealism
Idealists believe that it is the knowledge or the idea, that leads practice, but pragmatism
holds that ideas are constructed from experience. First comes the practice, and then on
its basis, principles and ideas are derived. Hence, pragmatism is also known as
Experimentalism or consequentialism as opposed to idealism.
Pragmatism vs. Realism
Realism believes that the truths are objective and infallible. There is a reality out there,
and its knowledge is absolute. This absolute does not mean to bestow eternity upon truth,
but a kind of objectivity. Change is there, but despite change, people can build a consensus
over a matter, and that consensus is largely objective. Objectivity of realism comes from
the object of knowledge and not from the subjects.

3. If an object is hard, it should appear hard to all those who are evaluating it in similar
conditions, for hardness is not circumstantial, neither it is subjective, hardness is a quality
that pertains to the object and not to the subject. Hardness is an absolute standard.
For pragmatism, meanings are pragmatic. So if I say that something is hard, and my
evaluation works, brings good results, I am right. If it does not bring the desired results
or that result, the assertion is wrong. Pragmatism is all about experimentation and
experience.
Forms of pragmatism
 Humanistic pragmatism
According to this ideology only those things and principles are true which satisfy the
needs, requirements, aspirations and objectives of human beings and cater to the welfare
of mankind.
 Experimentalism
According to this position meaning is derived from experience
 Biological pragmatism
According to this power or capacity of a human being is valuable and important which
enables him to adjust with the environment or which makes him able to change his
environment according to his needs and requirements.
Principles of pragmatism:
 Changing nature of truth
 Truth is constructed from experience
 Problems as the motives of truth
 Emphasis on social and democratic values
 Emphasis on the principle of utility
 Opposing to fixed ideals and values
 Importance of man power
 Importance of activity
 Faith in present and future
 Opposition to social customs and traditions

4.  Faith in pluralism
 Faith in flexibility
Pragmatism and education
Dewey has intimately related pragmatism to modern education. Dewey has advocated
change in education and opposed traditional education. Gaining knowledge for the sake of
knowledge is not the real aim of education. Pragmatic philosophy focuses mental, religious
and aesthetic modes of human activity. Through practice, human beings create their own
ideals and values. Aspects of education should be suitable to human good and human
growth. According to pragmatists educational process should promote human welfare. Only
flexible educational institutions can remain alive, active and satisfy the changing needs of
the society and provide real experiences through activities.
Characteristics of pragmatic education
 Education as life
 Education as growth
 Education as continues reconstruction of experience
 Education as a social process
 Education as a responsibility of the state
Pragmatism and aims of education
Dewey, in Experience and Education, has criticized traditional aims of education. He
emphasizes that aims of human life always change with the changing times, places and
circumstances. No specific aim of education can be predetermined which holds true and
good in all times, places and situations. Aim of education according to pragmatists is more
and more growth, creation of new values and to provide a direction and guidance to the
child according to his natural interest, aptitude and capacities. In How We Think Dewey
has identified Judgment making as the main aim of education.