In order to aid this "pragmatic" dialogue, here is a definition of
pragmatism from the Cambridge Dictionary of Philosophy.
"pragmatism, a philosophy that stresses the relation of theory to praxis
and takes the continuity of experience and nature as revealed through the
outcome of directed action as the starting point for reflection". (p.
638) The definition goes on and notes that the "reality of objects
(perceived phenomena...organizational learning?) cannot be known prior to
experience"...and claims about the truth of what we perceive as "real" can
be "justified" only through the "fulfillment of conditions that are
experimentally determined". Knowledge thus becomes "a tool for organizing
experience", concepts (mental models?) are acquired "habits" requiring
rigorous examination, and statements of truth are accepted if they become
confirmed through lived experience. Thus, pragmatism centers itself on
interpreting the activities of humankind in an "interactive loop of
perception, feeling, thinking, and behavior" that culminates in the social
acts of individuals interacting with each other.
If you want to know more, read the works of Charles S. Peirce or, for a
relatively painless overview, try Corrington, R.S.(1993). An Introduction
to C.S. Peirce: Philosopher, Semiotician, and Ecstatic Naturalist. ISBN
0-8476-7814-8
Winfried Dressler wrote:
> My problems with pragmatism start, when the philosophy ("What is TRUE...")
> passes its borders and enters ethics ("What is GOOD..."). Surely you will
> agree, that although nothing can be good, that does not work, not all what
> works can be considered as being good. "It works" is necessary, but not
> sufficient for justifiing action. Impairing essentialities in order to
> cause immergences works great.
--"Thomas A. Lifvendahl" <tlifven@user2.stritch.edu>
[Host's Note: In association with Amazon.com, this link...
An Introduction to C. S. Peirce : Philosopher, Semiotician, and Ecstatic Naturalist by Robert S. Corrington http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0847678148/learningorg
...Rick]
Learning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <rkarash@karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>