Noun: pragmatism 'prag-mu,ti-zum
- A practical and realistic approach to problems and situations, rather than a theoretical or idealistic one
"Her pragmatism in dealing with the crisis was admired by all";
- realism
- (philosophy) the doctrine that practical consequences are the criteria of knowledge and meaning and value
"William James's pragmatism emphasized the practical effects of philosophical ideas"
Derived forms: pragmatisms
Type of: philosophical doctrine, philosophical theory, practicality
Encyclopedia: Pragmatism