The Limits to Pragmatism The sayings of “It does not matter whether the cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice” outline the sentiment of pragmatism. I believe pragmatism was a positive factor behind the durance of the Chinese Civilisation. It is certainly preferable to dogma which divides people and forces them into entrenched positions. Another positive side of pragmatism is to ensure that our actions are firmly based on reality. But pragmatism can be dangerous too. Pragmatism in a vacuum can degenerated into a ‘free for all’ or ‘anything goes’ as long as it works syndrome. Therefore we must put some limits to the working of pragmatism. We must defined goals to ensure pragmatism is working toward the right direction and not drifting aimlessly in an ocean of corruptions and dishonesty. What are the goals? This will be determined or guided by our social or personal values that we hold. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) is such a document, dealing with “freedom, justice and peace in the world” and not about economics or the behaviour of other nations. It defines a stage of history in humanity, in which we accept these values, as fundamental to human lives, as we ascent on the stairs of Civilisation. un.org/en/documents/udhr/index.shtml
Posted on: Mon, 16 Jun 2014 10:37:56 +0000
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