Catholic Dictionary
Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
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PRAGMATISM
A theory that every truth has practical consequences that are the test of its truthfulness. Associated with the American philosopher William James, who defined the true as "only the expedient in our way of thinking." In religious terms, what justifies a creed or ritual is its ability to satisfy psychological needs and generate useful values for society.
