pragmatiste

Pragmatiste is a term used in several languages to refer to a person who adheres to or advocates pragmatism, a philosophical tradition that evaluates beliefs, theories, and actions by their practical consequences. In Dutch, for example, pragmatiste denotes a pragmatist, while the related noun pragmatisme denotes the philosophy itself. In other languages the exact form varies (for instance pragmatist in English, pragmatisme in French), but the core idea remains the same: emphasis on usefulness, concrete results, and problem-solving over absolute abstract truth.

Etymology and usage: the word derives from the Greek pragmatikos, meaning “practical.” Pragmatism as a movement emerged in the United States in the late 19th century, with Charles Peirce, William James, and John Dewey among its most influential figures. A pragmatiste, in texts that use the term, is expected to subscribe to the view that meaning and truth are grounded in practical outcomes, experiential inquiry, and the testing of ideas in real-life situations rather than in a priori certainties.

Philosophical orientation: pragmatists focus on the usefulness of concepts for guiding action, the adaptability of beliefs to changing circumstances, and the role of inquiry as a communal, iterative process. They often emphasize democracy, education, and scientific inquiry as contexts in which pragmatic methods produce reliable results.

Notable associations: while many individuals are commonly labeled pragmatists (or their language equivalents), a pragmatiste may be discussed in relation to Peirce, James, Dewey, and later pragmatists who emphasized social and practical dimensions of knowledge.

See also: pragmatism, pragmatist, Peirce, James, Dewey.