Pragmatism

Author: (American) James, translated by Yan Xiaodong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: Pragmatism is a philosophy school that originated from American soil and has the greatest influence. It is the official philosophy representing the American spirit and lifestyle. Pragmatism has fostered the heyday of materialism in Western society. Pragmatism is the philosophy of merchants, entrepreneurs, and real-life people. A person may completely reject pragmatism, but they are still a pragmatist. Pragmatism opposes the modern metaphysics of dualism, decisively rejects the abstract and inappropriate aspects of philosophy, and avoids the attitude of solving problems literally. It tends toward the concrete and the appropriate. Pragmatism functionalizes empiricism, emphasizing life, action, facts, and results; it views knowledge as "a tool for action" and reduces "truth" to "utility" or "the success of action." Pragmatism is only concerned with whether an action can bring practical benefits and rewards to an individual or group, regardless of whether the action aligns with objective reality or principles. In the eyes of a pragmatist, usefulness is truth, and uselessness is falsehood. Pragmatism has greatly influenced the thoughts and actions of Americans, shaping the American character and, in turn, affecting the entire world.