Pragmatism is a philosophical approach that interprets truth based upon practical effects. According to pragmatism, truth is what is practical and useful. Thus, something is deemed “true” if it is practical and it works and “untrue” if it does not work. Pragmatists often view metaphysical speculations as irrelevant since they bring no practical benefits.

Pragmatism is one of the rare philosophical concepts that originated in the United States. This view is especially linked with C. S. Pierce (1839–1914), William James (1842–1910), and John Dewey (1859–1952).