Post-Positivism vs. Pragmatism

Attribute	Post-Positivism	Pragmatism
Epistemology	Believes in the existence of an objective reality that can be known through scientific methods	Focuses on the practical consequences of beliefs and actions rather than on abstract truths
Methodology	Emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence, observation, and experimentation	Values practical experience and experimentation over abstract theorizing
Truth	Views truth as objective and attainable through scientific inquiry	Defines truth in terms of its usefulness and practicality in achieving goals
Reality	Believes in an external reality that exists independently of human perception	Views reality as constructed through human experience and interaction

Introduction

Post-Positivism and Pragmatism are two philosophical approaches that have gained prominence in the field of social science research. While both share some similarities, they also have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the key characteristics of Post-Positivism and Pragmatism and compare their strengths and weaknesses.

Post-Positivism

Post-Positivism is a philosophical stance that emerged as a response to the limitations of Positivism. Post-Positivists argue that knowledge is not solely based on empirical observation and that there are multiple ways of knowing. Unlike Positivism, which emphasizes objectivity and the search for universal truths, Post-Positivism acknowledges the role of subjectivity and values in the research process. Post-Positivists also critique the idea of a single, objective reality, arguing that reality is socially constructed and context-dependent.

• Emphasizes the role of subjectivity and values in research
• Criticizes the idea of a single, objective reality
• Acknowledges multiple ways of knowing
• Rejects the notion of universal truths

Pragmatism

Pragmatism, on the other hand, is a philosophical tradition that focuses on the practical consequences of beliefs and actions. Pragmatists argue that the truth of a proposition should be judged by its practical implications and usefulness. Unlike Post-Positivism, which is more concerned with the nature of reality and knowledge, Pragmatism is interested in the consequences of beliefs and actions in the real world. Pragmatists emphasize the importance of experimentation and experience in shaping knowledge and reject the idea of a fixed, unchanging reality.

• Focuses on the practical consequences of beliefs and actions
• Judges truth by practical implications and usefulness
• Emphasizes experimentation and experience in shaping knowledge
• Rejects the idea of a fixed, unchanging reality

Comparison

While Post-Positivism and Pragmatism have different emphases and priorities, they share some commonalities. Both approaches reject the idea of a single, objective reality and acknowledge the role of subjectivity and values in the research process. They also both emphasize the importance of context and the need to consider multiple perspectives in understanding complex phenomena. However, they differ in their focus and priorities, with Post-Positivism being more concerned with the nature of reality and knowledge, while Pragmatism is more focused on the practical consequences of beliefs and actions.

One key difference between Post-Positivism and Pragmatism is their approach to truth. Post-Positivism rejects the idea of universal truths and emphasizes the role of subjectivity and values in shaping knowledge. In contrast, Pragmatism judges truth based on its practical implications and usefulness, focusing on the consequences of beliefs and actions in the real world. This difference in approach to truth reflects the broader philosophical orientations of Post-Positivism and Pragmatism.

Another difference between Post-Positivism and Pragmatism is their view of reality. Post-Positivism argues that reality is socially constructed and context-dependent, rejecting the notion of a single, objective reality. Pragmatism, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of experimentation and experience in shaping knowledge, rejecting the idea of a fixed, unchanging reality. These differing views of reality have implications for how researchers approach the study of social phenomena.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Post-Positivism and Pragmatism are two philosophical approaches that offer different perspectives on the nature of reality, knowledge, and truth. While they share some commonalities, such as a rejection of a single, objective reality and an emphasis on the role of subjectivity and values in research, they also have distinct attributes that set them apart. Researchers in the social sciences can benefit from considering the strengths and weaknesses of both Post-Positivism and Pragmatism in shaping their research practices and theoretical frameworks.