How does pragmatism view change in human life and society?

Pragmatism views change as an inevitable and fundamental condition of human life. Rather than adhering to fixed principles or static systems, pragmatists emphasize the "plastic" nature of reality and the necessity of adapting to an evolving world.12

In this philosophical framework, change is not something to be relegated to the "merely practical" or lower levels of value; instead, it is a central focus of inquiry. Pragmatists argue that because change is constant, individuals should focus on developing techniques and methods to direct these processes toward beneficial outcomes for both the individual and society.12

Key aspects of this view include:

• Instrumentalism: John Dewey, a leading figure in the movement, viewed ideas as tools or "instruments" used to make sense of the world and to direct natural and social processes toward human benefit.31
• Experimental Inquiry: Pragmatism advocates for active participation in processes of change. By introducing variations and measuring the results, humans can better understand and influence the direction of social and natural events.3
• Adaptive Growth: Influenced by evolutionary theory, pragmatists prioritize the development of techniques for growth and adaptation over the pursuit of eternal, abstract truths.12

Ultimately, pragmatism encourages a proactive, intelligent approach to conduct, where the goal is to manage change through rigorous, experimental inquiry rather than relying on dogma.31