The Practical Application of Pragmatism

Paper Summary:

The paper describes pragmatism as supporting the idea that if X happens then Y must be true, or that one may discern the truth from the consequences of a given action. The paper explains that changing truths or circumstances form the foundation for practical thought processes in pragmatism. The paper further examines how pragmatism helps to explain the meaning of events based on one's logical interpretation of the consequences of one's actions. The paper concludes that pragmatism is a practical philosophy that one can use to help interpret life and meaning.

Outline:
Everyday Application of Pragmatism
Practical Purposes of Practical Thinking

From the Paper:

"William James suggests that pragmatism begs the question "Grant an idea or belief to be true.. what concrete difference will its being true make in anyone's actual life?" (James 13; Wiener 551). James offers the fundamental foundation for pragmatism... how can the truth be realized when one may or may not measure the truth in "cash-value experiential terms?" (James 13; Wiener 551). The student of pragmatism immediately realizes however there are multiple definitions or meanings of this philosophy."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Dewey, John. The Collected Works of John Dewey. Edited by Jo Ann Boydston Carbondale and Edwardsville: Southern Illinois University Press, 1969-1991.
• Garrison, Jim. "John Dewey." College of Human Resources and Education, Virginia Tech. 1999. Encyclopedia of Philosophy and Education. 9, December 2005: http://www.vusst.hr/ENCYCLOPAEDIA/john_dewey.htm
• Goodman, Russell. "William James." Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. 9, December 2005: http://setis.library.usyd.edu.au/stanford/entries/james/#3
• James, William. The Principles of Psychology. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1981.
• Radical Academy. "American Philosophy: American Pragmatism 1." 2003. The Radical Academy. 9, December 2005: http://radicalacademy.com/amphilosophy7.htm

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