5. Characteristics of pragmatism
Pragmatic studies often seek to understand the multiple factors involved in people's actions in a given situation. Thus, pragmatists acknowledge that their inquiry will not lead to certainty because, in theory, nothing in the world is certain. William James, a central figure in this philosophy, noted that a pragmatic study avoids abstract, fixed principles and does not pretend there is only one final truth.
Instead, a pragmatic study defines terms by their application to human experience. The key characteristics or philosophical tenets of pragmatism are summarised in the table shown here.
The key tenets of pragmatism which have been applied in this study.
| Rejects traditional philosophical dualisms but prefer more moderate and common-sense philosophical dualisms based on how well they work in solving the problems under investigation |
| Views knowledge as being constructed based on real-world experiences |
| Meaning is created from human experience |
| Views truth as tentative, changing over time |
| Understands human experience through language and communication |
| Advocates human rights and individual freedom; An enquiry should bring relief and benefit the condition of man |
| Accepts human enquiry as being analogous to scientific and experimental enquiry |
| Endorses theories that inform practice (Practical theory) |