Pragmatism
Pragmatism is more concerned with what 'works' than with what's true.
In the absence of objective truth, how are we to decide which of two
possible actions is preferable? The answer is provided by the only
philosophical system made in America: pragmatism which
maintains that
the value of ideas is determined by their consequences.
Developed by the 19th-century American philosophers Charles Sanders
Peirce, William James, and others, this philosophical doctrine holds that the
test of the truth of a proposition is its practical utility; the purpose of
thought is to guide action; and the effect of an idea is more important than
its origin. It asserts that truth is relative to the time, place, and purpose
of investigation and that value is as inherent in means as in ends.
(Microsoft Encarta 97 Encyclopedia. (c) 1993-1996 Microsoft
Corporation. All rights reserved.)
Today, without a moral compass
to gauge direction, "Does it work?" has replaced
"Is it right?" as the question to ask in business
decisions and lifestyle choice. If it works for you, then go right ahead. Thus,
the only question about abortion is whether the pregnancy is "wanted". If not,
then flush it away. Is your marriage working? If not, then get out of it. Will
an inside deal profit your business? If so, go right ahead. The 1960s adage,
"If it feels good, do it," has been updated for the 1990s: "If it works, do
it." (Charles Colson, The Body, pg. 180.)
The Major World Views
Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. - Acts 17:22-23
- Agnosticism
Holds that truth is "unknowable."
- Rationalism
Sees all of nature as rational and the making of proper deductions is essential to achieving knowledge.
- Pragmatism
Is more concerned with what 'works' than with what's true.
- Monism
Everything is an undifferentiated oneness or unity.
- Henotheism
One supreme god, not necessarily to the exclusion of other lesser gods.
- Liberalism/Modernism
We must rethink and adapt our concept of God and truth to fit with modern culture and modes of thinking.
- Pantheism/Naturalism
Everything is god.
- Polytheism
There are many gods.
- Atheism
There is no God.
- Monotheism
There is only one God.
