SAINT MICHAEL COLLEGE OF HINDANG, LEYTE INC.

Bonifacio St. Pob. II, Hindang, Leyte

Pragmatism: A Comprehensive Philosophical Perspective

( WRITTEN REPORT )

In Partial Fulfilment of the Course Requirements in

Major 4A– Principles and Theories of Language Acquisition and

Learning

Prepared by:
OBLIGADO, LORENZ MARK M.
BSED- II
(MWF, 6:30-7:30 P.M)

Submitted to:
MICHAEL T. BULAWAN
Instructor

Date of Submission and Presentation:

October 16, 2023
1ST Semester, A.Y 2023-2024
I. OBJECTIVES

At the end of this lesson, the students will be able to:

1. Define the Key Principles of Pragmatism

2. Overview of pragmatism, founders, it’s key principles, and its significance.
3. Application of Pragmatism

II. Introduction
Pragmatism is a philosophical perspective that prioritizes the practical
consequences of beliefs and actions as the basis for determining their value and
truth. It emphasizes that the worth of an idea or belief lies in its effectiveness in
addressing real-world problems and achieving practical goals. Pragmatists view
knowledge and understanding as evolving and context-dependent, rather than
fixed and absolute.

III. DISCUSSION
Founders of Pragmatism
Pragmatism owes its development to several influential thinkers, including
Charles Sanders Peirce, William James, and John Dewey. These philosophers
played pivotal roles in shaping and articulating the core tenets of pragmatism.

Key Principles of Pragmatism

1. Truth as a Process: Pragmatism regards truth as an ongoing, dynamic

process rather than a fixed, unchanging concept. It asserts that the truth of an
idea or belief is determined by its practical consequences and effectiveness in
addressing real-world problems.

2. Instrumentalism: Pragmatism sees beliefs and ideas as practical

instruments or tools. Their value lies in their utility for achieving specific goals
and solving real-life problems. Pragmatists prioritize the practical
consequences of beliefs.

3. Anti-Foundationalism: Pragmatism rejects the notion of rigid, absolute

truths or foundational principles that underpin all knowledge. Instead, it
encourages an open and adaptable approach to understanding, where
knowledge is not anchored to an unchanging foundation.

4. Anti-Dualism: Pragmatism seeks to bridge dualistic distinctions, such as

those between theory and practice, mind and body, or fact and value. It
promotes a holistic view of human experience and knowledge, recognizing the
interconnectedness of these aspects.
 5. Experience-Centered: Pragmatism places a strong emphasis on
empirical experiences. Knowledge and understanding are grounded in real-
world experiences and interactions. Pragmatists value the role of practical
experience in shaping one's perspective and beliefs.

Significance of Pragmatism

The significance of Pragmatism lies in its practical and adaptable

approach to understanding truth, knowledge, and problem-solving. It
emphasizes the importance of evaluating beliefs and ideas based on their
real-world consequences, promoting a more dynamic and context-dependent
view of reality. Pragmatism’s relevance extends to various fields, including
philosophy, education, law, and psychology, where its problem-solving
orientation and focus on practical utility continue to influence decision-making
and innovation.

IV. APPLICATION OF PRAGMATISM

The application of Pragmatism can be observed in the promotion of

experiential learning and the practical use of knowledge. Educators often focus
on real-world problem-solving, adapting teaching methods to suit students’
practical needs and fostering a dynamic approach to learning, where the truth of
concepts is evaluated based on their utility and effectiveness in addressing real-
life challenges.

V. SUMMARY

Pragmatism is a practical way of thinking that says what’s true and

valuable is based on how well it works in the real world. It believes that truth can
change as we learn more and face new situations. Instead of focusing on
abstract ideas, Pragmatism is all about solving real problems and adapting to
different situations. It encourages open-minded thinking and learning from real
experiences. This philosophy is like saying, “What’s useful and practical matters
more than what’s just a theory.”

VI. REFERENCES
 William James, “Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of
Thinking” (1907) – This classic work by William James is a foundational
text in the development of Pragmatism.
( https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pragmaticism )
 John Dewey, “Experience and Education” (1938) – In this book, John
Dewey applies Pragmatic principles to education and experiential learning.
 ( https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Dewey/Instrumentalism )
 (https://iep.utm.edu/pragmati/#:~:text=Pragmatism%20is%20a
%20philosophical%20movement,ideas%20are%20to%20be%20rejected. )