What is Pragmatism?
(Taken from A. Heywood, Political Ideologies)

Pragmatism refers generally to a concern with practical circumstances rather than theoretical beliefs, with what can be achieved in the real world, as opposed to what should be achieved in an ideal world. As a philosophical doctrine (most commonly associated with philosophers such as William James (1842–1910) and John Dewey (1859–1952) pragmatism holds that the meaning and justification of beliefs should be judged by their practical consequences. Though by definition a pragmatic style of politics is non-ideological, it does not amount to unprincipled opportunism. Pragmatism suggests a cautious attitude towards change that rejects sweeping reforms and revolution as a descent into the unknown, and prefers instead incremental adjustments and, perhaps, evolutionary progress.

Pragmatism

(Taken from Pearson textbook, p87-88)

Arguably, the key core value of conservatism is pragmatism, an idea usually associated with conservative thinkers such as Edmund Burke (1729–97) and Michael Oakeshott (1901–90). In political terms, pragmatism rejects theory and ideology in favour of practical experience: the approach to society should be flexible, with decisions made on the basis of what works. This central point was neatly summarised by Oakeshott: ‘To be a Conservative is to prefer the tried to the untried.’ Pragmatism also implies a flexible approach to politics that considers what is in the best interests of the people, what is acceptable to the public and what will maintain social stability and cohesion.

Conservatives’ preference for pragmatism is strongly linked to their view of human rationality. They contend that humans lack the intellectual ability and powers of reasoning to fully comprehend the complex realities of the world. As a result, conservatives tend to dismiss abstract ideas, theories and ideologies that claim to ‘explain’ or ‘improve’ human life and development. Principles and ideas such as ‘human rights’, ‘a classless society’ and ‘equality’ are dangerous because they can promote a radical reordering of society (oft en through revolution) that leads to worse rather than better conditions. Conservatives try to avoid a rigid ideological approach to issues, preferring to act in a pragmatic way that emphasises caution, moderation and a sense of historical continuity. Critics argue that pragmatism reveals a lack of political principle and encourages politicians to follow rather than lead public opinion. In practice, political behaviour or action cannot be wholly separated from ideological or theoretical considerations.

Traditional and one-nation conservatism are the two strands of conservative thinking usually linked to pragmatism. For traditional conservatives, such as Edmund Burke, pragmatism was an essential element in facilitating ‘natural’ or inevitable change within a state or society. This type of change, he argued, should not be opposed because a state ‘without the means of some change is without the means of its conservation’ – for the state to keep going, it would have to adapt to some extent. Burke’s conservatism maintained that cautious pragmatism would bring about necessary change peacefully, through evolution, whereas the unbending pursuit of revolution or reaction would lead to conflict and chaos. The key features of society – such as order, property, tradition and established institutions – can only be preserved through a pragmatic policy that takes into account shifting circumstances and recognises occasions when it is necessary to ‘change to conserve’.

One-nation conservatives hold similar attitudes to social reform. However, more recently they have also adopted a pragmatic ‘middle way’ approach to the economy that combines market competition with government regulation. These conservatives argue that this moderate economic course promotes growth and social harmony by encouraging wealth creation through private enterprise and generating the funding for state welfare programmes.

Key term

Change to conserve; the idea that society should adapt to changing circumstances by introducing moderate reforms, rather than reject change outright and risk rebellion or revolution.

YOUR TASK:

1. Read the two extracts.
2. Identify 10 key words that would help you explain the concept of pragmatism by underlining or highlighting them in the above passages.
3. Draw a visual explanation of the concept of pragmatism, using symbols, images, numbers but only 5 written words.