There are many facets of human language that make us as individuals different from one another. The way we communicate with each other is highly dependent on the culture in which we live. Different cultures have different cultural norms, and it can be difficult to figure out what the expectations are in a given situation. One example is the way we greet each other on a daily basis. While a literal response would include medical and personal details, the pragmatic response assumes that the speaker has the same intention.
A pragmatic person is someone who views a situation with a practical, human perspective. They think and act as if they are using the situation to make an informed decision. Rather than assuming the best possible solution, they think through all possible scenarios and work out the best course of action. Often, this means making a decision based on the facts at hand, as opposed to an emotional response.
Pragmatic language is vital for effective communication. Without it, two people cannot understand each other. If a person does not use pragmatic language well, listeners might be hesitant to engage in conversation with them. In addition, a lack of pragmatic language can negatively impact academic performance and social engagement in school settings. Children with social communication disorders or autism are particularly likely to struggle with the foundational concepts of pragmatic language.
The key concepts of pragmatism were first discussed in the Harvard Metaphysical Club around the 1870s. In 1898, Charles Sanders Peirce and William James began using the term as a term for their philosophy, and it gained a significant following in the late nineteenth century. The movement has had a significant impact on many fields, including fields outside of philosophy.
In recent years, pragmatism has enjoyed a renaissance in popularity. This is in part due to a large number of high profile philosophers exploring the philosophy. Some of the best-known philosophers who have explored pragmatism include Richard Rorty, Hilary Putnam, Nicholas Rescher, Robert Brandom, and Cornel West. The focus of this new interest has led to the emergence of several vibrant research networks.
A major framework of pragmatics is called relevance theory. It explains how listeners track the flow of reference in a conversation. This theory incorporates context to determine what meaning is conveyed. For example, if two people greet each other, they will understand which one told them to greet them. The same principle holds true for a speaker’s statement.
The classical pragmatist tradition also includes John Dewey, who lived from 1859 to 1952. His writings had a profound influence on American intellectual history during the twentieth century.