Pragmatic theory is a philosophical approach that evaluates the truth of beliefs and statements based on their practical consequences and applications. It suggests that the meaning of an idea is rooted in its observable effects and how it can be used in real-life situations. This theory emphasizes action and results over abstract principles.
Key figures in pragmatic theory include Charles Sanders Peirce, William James, and John Dewey. They argued that ideas should be tested through experience and that knowledge is not static but evolves with new experiences. This perspective encourages a flexible and adaptive approach to understanding truth and meaning.