What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Skepticism vs Pragmatism - What's the difference?

skepticism | pragmatism |

As nouns the difference between skepticism and pragmatism

is that skepticism is the practice or philosophy of being a skeptic while pragmatism is the pursuit of practicality over aesthetic qualities; a concentration on facts rather than emotions or ideals.

skepticism

Alternative forms

* scepticism (Commonwealth English )

Noun

(-)
  • (US) The practice or philosophy of being a skeptic.
  • (US) A studied attitude of questioning and doubt
  • (US) The doctrine that absolute knowledge is not possible
  • (US) A methodology that starts from a neutral standpoint and aims to acquire certainty though scientific or logical observation.
  • (US) Doubt or disbelief of religious doctrines
  • pragmatism

    Noun

  • The pursuit of practicality over aesthetic qualities; a concentration on facts rather than emotions or ideals.
  • (politics) The theory that political problems should be met with practical solutions rather than ideological ones.
  • (philosophy) The idea that beliefs are identified with the actions of a believer, and the truth of beliefs with success of those actions in securing a believer's goals; the doctrine that ideas must be looked at in terms of their practical effects and consequences.
  • * 1902 , William James, The Varieties of Religious Experience , Folio Society 2008, p. 378:
  • Our conception of these practical consequences is for us the whole of our conception of the object [...] This is the principle of Peirce, the principle of pragmatism .

    Antonyms

    * idealism * contemplation