Pragmatism and Blindness

Pragmatism is most often invoked to stop a discussion, or to justify skipping a reflexion.

This may at times be reasonable: we cannot spend time and effort indefinitely, and have to make choices eventually. Now, pragmatism is often felt as a way to avoid having to justify such a shortcut, on a ground taken for obvious and objective (valid for all). This is both dangerous, and remote from real pragmatism. The assumption of a universal reality which would be perceived by anybody in the same way is just a leap of faith.

Everybody may invoke pragmatism. At least in our culture, it takes a very seldom case to find somebody who would deny being pragmatic. Only, people do not mean the same thing, and declare they will avoid communications. How can one react pragmatically to such a situation?

• Probably by accepting the fact, and looking for other people with whom to collaborate. Pragmatism leads there to restrict communications to within a suitable community.
• At least by making the disagreement clear, and manageable.
• Also, by understanding that what one refers to is perceptions, not e.g. (mythical) facts.

-- MarcGirod - 25 Dec 2007