Pragmatism is a philosophical current that emerged in the United States at the end of the XNUMXth century and beginning of the XNUMXth century. This current of thought is characterized by its emphasis on action and experience as fundamental criteria for validating knowledge. Pragmatism rejects the idea that knowledge is something absolute and immutable, arguing that it is built from interactions between human beings and the world.

Origins and main thinkers of pragmatism

Pragmatism had its origins in the thought of Charles Sanders Peirce, William James and John Dewey, considered the main exponents of this philosophical current. Peirce was responsible for coining the term “pragmatism” and developing the theoretical foundations of this current. James, in turn, was responsible for popularizing pragmatism in the United States, while Dewey contributed to its consolidation as an important philosophical current.

Peirce argued that knowledge is a practical tool that allows us to act in the world. For him, truth is not something absolute and immutable, but rather something that is constructed from the practical consequences of our beliefs. James, in turn, emphasized the importance of experience as a criterion for validating knowledge. He argued that our beliefs should be tested and modified according to the results we obtain from our actions.

Dewey, in turn, developed a more social approach to pragmatism, emphasizing the importance of interactions between human beings and the environment in which they live. For him, knowledge is constructed from shared experiences and social practices. Dewey also defended the idea that knowledge should be applied to solving concrete problems, contributing to improving people's living conditions.

Fundamental principles of pragmatism

Pragmatism is based on some fundamental principles that differentiate it from other philosophical currents. One of these principles is the emphasis on action and experience as criteria for validating knowledge. For pragmatists, knowledge is not something that exists in itself, but rather something that is constructed from interactions between human beings and the world.

Another fundamental principle of pragmatism is the rejection of the dualism between mind and body. Pragmatists argue that the mind is not something separate from the body, but rather an integral part of it. For them, knowledge is not something that is only in the mind, but something that is constructed from bodily experiences.

Furthermore, pragmatism also emphasizes the importance of context in the construction of knowledge. Pragmatists argue that knowledge is not something universal and absolute, but rather something that is constructed from the social and cultural practices of each community. For them, knowledge is always situated and contextualized.

Applications of pragmatism in philosophy

Pragmatism has been applied in several areas of philosophy, contributing to the development of new approaches and theories. One of the areas in which pragmatism has been especially influential is the philosophy of science. Pragmatists argue that scientific knowledge is not something absolute and immutable, but rather something that is constructed from scientific practices and interactions between scientists and the world.

Pragmatism has also been applied in the philosophy of language, contributing to the development of theories that emphasize the importance of context in understanding and interpreting discourses. Pragmatists argue that the meaning of words is not fixed in itself, but rather is constructed from social practices and interactions between speakers.

Furthermore, pragmatism has been applied in political philosophy, contributing to the development of theories that emphasize the importance of political action and citizen participation in building a more just and egalitarian society. Pragmatists argue that politics should not be seen just as a theoretical exercise, but rather as a concrete practice aimed at social transformation.

Criticisms of pragmatism

Despite its contributions to philosophy, pragmatism has also been the target of criticism. One of the main criticisms of pragmatism is its emphasis on action and experience as criteria for validating knowledge. Some philosophers argue that this emphasis can lead to a relativization of knowledge, making it dependent on circumstances and social practices.

Another criticism of pragmatism is its rejection of the dualism between mind and body. Some philosophers argue that this rejection can lead to a denial of human subjectivity and interiority, reducing the human being to a mere agent in the world.

Furthermore, pragmatism has also been criticized for its emphasis on context in the construction of knowledge. Some philosophers argue that this emphasis can lead to a denial of the universality of knowledge, making it merely relative and situated.

Conclusion

Pragmatism is a philosophical current that is characterized by its emphasis on action and experience as criteria for validating knowledge. This current of thought rejects the idea that knowledge is something absolute and immutable, arguing that it is built from interactions between human beings and the world. Despite its contributions to philosophy, pragmatism has also been the target of criticism. However, it is undeniable that this philosophical current brought important insights to the understanding of knowledge and human action.