Pragmatism

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Author note.

Explore voice = Exploratory style. Very punchy. Personal, and lively using “me,” “you,” “us,” and “I” freely.

I want you to feel me right there with you. We use “I” and “me” and “us” without apology. If the Explain voice is a bridge, the Explore voice is the hike we take across it. It is lively, reflective, and sometimes a bit raw. It is the sound of a shared exploration where I lead you by the hand, but we both discover the view at the same time.

This is where I get to think out loud. Not with definitions, we aren’t just looking at the facts; we are looking at how they feel and what they mean for our lives. I’m talking to you about what I’ve found and what I’m still figuring out. It is engaging because it is real, and it is reflective because it is honest.

The goal is real advice and enjoyable reading. I want to land on something you can actually use. It’s about being direct, being punchy, and making sure that by the time we reach the end of the page, we’ve both found something worth keeping.

And now the piece.

Pragmatism

3 Types: Empirical, Rational, & Irrational

New Look

30 Philosophers, Chapter 22, Descartes, Touchstone 55: Pragmatism.

Pragmatism values practical application over intellectual accuracy. For my work and for a new look at it, there are only three types: Empirical, Rational, and Irrational. Empirical Pragmatism aligns closely with some traditional definitions of Logical Pragmatism. Both are in conflict with traditional pragmatism’s goal of resolving belief in the irrational. An Empirical Pragmatist embraces what I call the “Grand Rational Framework,” applying pragmatic techniques to evaluate the worth and effectiveness of ideas. A Rational Pragmatist embraces the Grand Rational Framework, but accommodates specific, faith-based beliefs, often in support of their religion. Beyond that, they might hold other faith-based beliefs but are generally cautious about adopting new ones. An Irrational Pragmatist fundamentally does not believe in a core set of common truths, the Grand Rational Framework. They reject the notion that empirical and rational truths form the basis for understanding. Unlike most people, who still value empirical evidence, the Irrational Pragmatist adopts a relativistic perspective. Phrases like “truth isn’t truth” or “everyone has their own truth” often punctuate their dialogue.

Here's the key idea. Avoid irrational pragmatists; they dismiss good evidence when it gets in the way.

Finally, the core takeaway. Pragmatism can be wise when it works within common knowledge, evidence, and disciplined reason. But do not let your habits or preferences turn “what works” into an excuse to ignore reality, protect dogma, or dismiss good evidence. What is useful matters, but usefulness alone is not enough.

That Critical Thinking Story,

was first published on TST 2 years ago.

The flashcard inspired by it is this.

Front: What is type of pragmatism is evidence-based usefulness?

Back: Empirical pragmatism.

All this is part of the broader TST project.

Think of tidbits as intellectual scaffolding: modest on their own, essential to the strength of the whole.

Claims are grounded at the smallest level possible, allowing evidence to be updated once and reflected everywhere it is used.

The end!