1. Pragmatism

2. Pragmatism • The root of the word Pragmatism is a Greek word meaning “work”. • It is primarily a 20th century philosophy developed by Americans. • Truth is what works in the real world. We must keep the desired end in mind. • Ideas should be applied to solving problems; including social problems.

3. Leaders in Pragmatism • Auguste Comte, 1798-1857 • Not a pragmatist but emphasized using science to solve social problems

4. Leaders in Pragmatism • Charles Darwin, 1809-1882 • Reality is not found in Being, but in Becoming • Reality is open-ended, in process, with no fixed end.

5. American Pragmatists • Charles Sanders Peirce, 1839-1914 • Widely acknowledged as the father of pragmatism • Wrote an article on “How to make our Ideas Clear” in Popular Science Monthly that is regarded as the basis for pragmatism. • True knowledge of anything depends upon verfication of our ideas in actual experience

6. American Pragmatists • William James, 1842-1910 • The truth of an idea is its “workability” • Truth is not absolute and immutable; rather it is made in actual, real-life • James called his philosophy “radical empericism” • James’s 1907 book “Pragmatism” did much to promote pragmatism. • Rufus Stimson, a leader in agricultural education, studied under James.

7. American Pragmatists • John Dewey, 1859-1952 • Need to concentrate on real-life problems • Sought practical solutions for practical problems • How We Think • Felt Difficulty • Define the problem • Formulate possible solutions • Examine & Evaluate possible solutions • Accept or reject solutions

8. Pragmatism and Education • Education should be preparation for life • Solving problems is important; therefore use real-life situations • Teaching methods should be varied and flexible • Education should be action oriented • Needs and interests of students should be considered

9. Pragmatism and Education • Project approach to teaching is desirable • Curriculum is varied • A broad education is more desirable

10. The Pragmatist and the Chair • To a pragmatist, the use of the “chair” is important. What is the purpose of the chair and does it fulfil that purpose? The “workability” of a chair is the ultimate truth.