pragmatism

Meanings

Plural: pragmatisms

Noun

• (philosophy) the doctrine that practical consequences are the criteria of knowledge and meaning and value
• the attribute of accepting the facts of life and favoring practicality and literal truth
• The pursuit of practicality over aesthetic qualities; a concentration on facts rather than emotions or ideals.
• The idea that beliefs are identified with the actions of a believer, and the truth of beliefs with success of those actions in securing a believer's goals; the doctrine that ideas must be looked at in terms of their practical effects and consequences.
• The theory that political problems should be met with practical solutions rather than ideological ones.
• The habit of interfering in other people's affairs; meddlesomeness.

Synonyms

realism

Antonyms

contemplation, idealism

Related Words

pragmatic, pragmatically, pragmatist