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Pragmatism

Definition

Pragmatism is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the practical consequences and utility of beliefs, theories, and actions. It originated in the late 19th century in the United States with figures like Charles Sanders Peirce, William James, and John Dewey. At its core, pragmatism rejects absolute truths and instead focuses on the usefulness of ideas in guiding human conduct and solving problems. According to pragmatists, the value of any belief or theory lies in its ability to produce desirable outcomes or help individuals achieve their goals.

In practice, pragmatism encourages experimentation, adaptation, and flexibility in thought. It emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence and experience over abstract principles or dogma. Pragmatists prioritize practical consequences over theoretical purity, often advocating for a problem-solving approach to philosophical, scientific, and ethical inquiries. Rather than being tied to fixed doctrines or ideologies, pragmatism promotes a dynamic and open-minded attitude toward knowledge and truth, valuing ideas based on their effectiveness in addressing real-world challenges.

Example sentences

His decision-making is guided by pragmatism rather than ideology.

Pragmatism encourages us to focus on what can be achieved rather than what should be.

Pragmatism teaches us to be flexible in our thinking and approaches.

The mayor's pragmatism helped her navigate through the challenges of governing a diverse city.

The pragmatism of the engineering team enabled them to find innovative solutions to complex problems.

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Preclusion involves preventing something from happening or being pursued, often through legal or external circumstances. In legal contexts, preclusion refers to the barring of certain claims or issues from being raised in subsequent legal proceedings, promoting finality and judicial efficiency. Beyond the law, preclusion can also occur when external factors like adverse weather or financial constraints hinder activities or opportunities.

Proctor

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Regency

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Pragmatism

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