Pragmatism
American philosophical tradition holding that truth is what works in practice. Pragmatists like Peirce, James, and Dewey reject abstract metaphysics for practical consequences. A belief is true if it proves useful and leads to successful action. Truth is not static correspondence but evolving through experience. Pragmatism emphasizes experimentation, pluralism, and meliorism. James's radical empiricism includes relations as part of experience. Dewey applied pragmatism to education and democracy. Critics argue pragmatism conflates truth with utility. Despite criticisms, pragmatism influences American thought and practice-based philosophy.
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