Pragmatism is a philosophical tradition that originated in the United States in the late 19th century, emphasizing the practical application of ideas by acting on them to actually test them in human experiences. The movement began with Charles Sanders Peirce, who introduced the term “pragmatism” in the 1870s. Peirce proposed that the meaning of any concept lies in its practical effects and that ideas must be understood in terms of their conceivable bearing on human conduct.

William James, a contemporary of Peirce, played a crucial role in popularizing pragmatism. In the early 1900s, James expanded on Peirce’s ideas by applying them to psychology and religion, arguing that the truth of an idea or belief is determined by its effectiveness in practical application. His lectures and writings brought pragmatism to a wider audience, making it a significant force in American philosophical thought.

John Dewey further developed pragmatism by integrating it with progressive educational reforms. Dewey saw education as a tool for social change and believed that learning should be grounded in real-world experiences. His version of pragmatism, often termed “instrumentalism,” held that thought is a tool for prediction, problem-solving, and action, and that philosophy should focus on addressing the problems of society.

In the mid-20th century, pragmatism experienced a decline but saw a resurgence with the rise of neo-pragmatism. Philosophers like Richard Rorty revived interest in pragmatist ideas by critiquing the established notions of objective truth and emphasizing the contingent nature of knowledge and language. This contemporary form of pragmatism influenced various fields, including law, education, and sociology, underscoring the movement’s enduring impact on American intellectual life.