I was inspired by Matt’s remarks as he spoke to our ward before departing on his Mormon mission to Tonga. He explained that in his recent philosophy class at Brigham Young University he studied pragmatism. Pragmatism is most closely associated with C. S. Peirce and William James (1842-1910). James is often labeled the “Father of American psychology,” and one of the most influential philosophers in the United States. The philosophical tradition of pragmatism, in everyman’s language, is best described as a philosophy of practical living for a happier, more successful life that involves a sensible, commonsensical approach to problems and situations.
