Pragmagism is a philosophical position that weaves together the functional approach of Pragmatism with the transformative possibilities of magic. It seeks a middle ground where practical considerations are informed by the mystical, and mystical experiences are brought down to earth by practical application. This philosophy recognizes that the tangible outcomes valued by Pragmatism and the intangible aspects associated with magical traditions both play a role in the human experience of reality.
Pragmatism, as a philosophy, suggests that the truth of an idea is measured by its effectiveness and utility in the practical world. It promotes the idea that thought must lead to action, and that beliefs are only as good as the results they yield when they are put into practice. Its proponents, from Charles Peirce to John Dewey, have advocated for a focus on the outcomes of ideas as the ultimate test of their validity.
Magic, in the context of Pragmagism, refers to a set of practices and beliefs that assert the existence of unseen forces and dimensions that can be influenced by human intention and action. While traditional Pragmatism does not concern itself with the unobservable, Pragmagism invites a new consideration of these forces as potentially useful and effective elements of human experience and problem-solving.
Pragmagism champions the following tenets:
Practical Mysticism: The position encourages a form of mysticism that is grounded in practical outcomes. Magical practices are valued for their capacity to effect change in the material world or in the consciousness of individuals.
Experimental Synthesis: Pragmagism is experimental, urging a trial-and-error approach to incorporating magical practices into everyday problem-solving, observing the results as one would in scientific experiments.
Utility of Beliefs: Beliefs are not to be accepted on faith alone but are to be tested for their utility in improving the human condition, both in observable and subjective dimensions.
Holistic Problem-Solving: This philosophy holds that both logical analysis and magical intuition are valid tools in a problem-solving toolkit, with the chosen method being that which provides the most effective solution in each unique situation.
Practical Magic: Magic, under Pragmagism, is not just a set of rituals but includes any action or belief that allows for tapping into unexplained phenomena to produce real-world effects, whether through psychological shifts, focus of will, or influencing probability.
Dynamic Truths: Truths are not static but dynamic, capable of evolving through the interplay of practical results and magical insights. What works, in a real sense, becomes the cornerstone of truth.
Pragmagism does not merely seek to blend Pragmatism and magic but to foster a dialogue between them, allowing each to inform and enhance the other. It suggests that the discernible and the subtle, the proven and the mysterious, are not opposites but complementary aspects of a reality that is richer and more complex than either perspective alone can fully explain. Through this synergetic combination, Pragmagism aims to expand the scope of human potential by embracing a more inclusive understanding of what is possible.