"Simply defined, pragmatism is a philosophy and a way of life that asserts that the truth of an idea lies in its practical efficacy. What that means is that what is true is what works. The test for truth is not whether an idea corresponds to the way things are in fact in reality, but whether that idea has some concrete utility, whether it has practical consequences, and whether or not it can be used actually to manipulate the world beneficially. Worth lies in achievement. Things are good if they work, and what works is considered good. These ideals of pragmatism lie at the very heart of the Western mind, undergird our technological society, are deeply enshrined in our educational systems, and are evident in our impatience with anything (or anybody) that is not immediately practical, useful, efficient. In the Western world, what is good and true is what works! Value lies in being practical.
... In a pragmatic world, the purpose of human thought is instrumental. Ideas are meant to help us adapt more comfortably to a hostile environment. Consequently, in the Western world we learn as a means, not as an end. Education is more about learning skills for life that it is about learning wisdom for its own sake. Our education systems, research grants, and overall approach to learning reflect this priority. We spend more money in the West doing research on developing better rubber for our car tires that we spend on researching why teenage suicid is the second leading cause of death among young people today in the Western world. Technology is developing at a rate that staggers our capacities to cope with the novelties it produces and, at the same time, we cannot find ways to live together withing our marriages, communities, countries, and within the world as a whole. The priorities in education that a pragmatic culture sets for itself are proving very useful in helping create the good life but are proving less useful in providing the values we need to share it equitably and amiably with each other and in giving our children reason to even want to live."
Ronald Rolheiser, "The Shattered Lantern" (pp. 37-39)
I am only just beginning to realize how deeply pragmatism is built into my worldview. It's incredible as I consider the influence of pragmatism on my upbringing, my faith and my ministry. This philosophy is such a part of me that I almost feel guilty when I think about what my life and work would be without it's dominating influence!
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