The contribution of pragmatism to understanding educational action research: value and consequences

This paper argues that action research finds rationale in a practical position that knowledge is transient and occurs through transactions between agents and the environment. Behavioral studies have found further methodological grounds in a practical view that knowledge is created in an uncertain situation, requires consideration and analysis practices, and is achieved through an open consensus. However, practical behavioral research is also unique: it pays special attention to the agreement and focuses on the problem solving educational implications through Dewey's work. In this article I will explain the value of the label "practical" and the strengths and weaknesses of a practical approach.

Practicalism thinks that "correctness" of action depends on the actual result of action. Practicalism raises the question "Is it useful?" Practical ethics believes that if something is useful for society it is a good thing. As new discoveries and logical theories are carried out, ethics needs to change. Prohibition is a typical example. It is illegal for American society to accept alcoholism and accept alcohol again. Since the ban on alcohol is considered unrealistic, the moral values ​​of the country are changing. Currently, laws such as legalization of marijuana and same-sex marriage adopt countries that have never thought of such things long ago. At the same time, medical discoveries are putting increasing pressure on the tobacco industry. Changes in the law reflect changes and practical changes in concepts that are most beneficial to society as a whole.

William James is the most famous practical philosopher, a scholar known for his utility. For James, pragmatism is about value and morality. The purpose of philosophy is to understand what is worth to us and why it is worth. James believes that ideas and beliefs are valuable to us only when it goes well. In what he called instrumentalism, John Dewey tried to combine Pearce and James' pragmatism. Therefore, instrumentism is a logical concept and also a moral analysis. Instrumentalism explains Dewey's idea of ​​reasoning and inquiry about the conditions under which it occurs. On the one hand it should be controlled by logical constraints, on the other hand it aims to produce goods and satisfaction.