Pragmatism is an alternative to ideology and an antidote to certainty.

Ideology imposes constraints on thought and problem-solving. Pragmatism continues asking questions.

The language of pragmatism is conditional, not absolute.

In previous posts, I have discussed principles of constructive dialogue and reasoned argument. If we are willing, first, to listen to another person’s concerns, then, to consider the most reasonable form of her opinion (intellectual charity) and to acknowledge the inevitable limitations of our own (intellectual humility), we have taken several steps away from ideology and move toward pragmatism. Our discussion will now more often be "pragmatic."

I am using the word pragmatism in a specific sense. I am not speaking about being pragmatic as a political tactic; deciding what issues should be given priority and what battles to choose, or a willingness to compromise, or a recognition that there are limits to what can be accomplished at any time. I am writing now about pragmatism in a meaning closer to its philosophical origin in the writings of William James—that truth is not found in abstract principles........

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