Does Pragmatism....?

Question

emphsize scientific inquiry as the basis of truth, rather than inherited ideals and moral principles?

Answer 1

Not entirely..

Generally the philosophy of American Philosopher William James is called Pragmatism or that which can be practically applied. The central thesis of his philosophy is that the whole function of thought is to produce habits of action. In other words, he was tired of theoretical philosophy, and he wanted to see that philosophy had practical application

This is also mentioned in Vedic Literatures. Philosophy without practical application is called mental speculation. It has no value. Philosophy must be practically applied in life. That is real philosophy.

Mr Williams says one must ask this question, “What difference would it make, practically, to anyone, if this notion rather than that notion were true?”. He says that the criterion for deciding that question is the practicality of something. If there are two notions, then the standard of judgment should be which notion is applicable in practice. Which notion will have the better result in practice.

So that notion which is factual and not just theoretical — that will have good effect in practice.

For example in our Hare Krishna movement we invite people and when they actually practice krishna consciousness, the result is immediately there. Many practiceners, though they were practicing many sinful activities, but since they have taken to Krishna consciousness, they have left it. So by practicing, we see the practical result; therefore this is most practical.

Hope this helps..