instrumentalism
UK[ˌɪnstrəˈmɛntəlɪzəm]US[ˌɪnstrəˈmɛntəlˌɪzəm]
n
A pragmatic philosophical theory which holds that ideas, theories, and beliefs are instruments or tools for action and problem-solving, and that their value lies in their usefulness rather than in their truth.
n
In the philosophy of science, the view that scientific theories are not descriptions of reality but useful instruments for predicting and organizing observations.
Morpheme Breakdown
instrument
al
ism
instrument
tool
al
relating to
ism
doctrine or theory
Etymology
The philosophical term 'instrumentalism' is a modern construction, synthesized from classical elements to articulate a specific 20th-century concept. Its core, 'instrument,' traces back to the Latin instrumentum, a tool or implement, derived from the verb instruere meaning to build, equip, or instruct. The suffix '-al' attaches to form the adjective 'instrumental,' characterizing something as serving as a means or tool. Finally, the Greek-derived nominalizing suffix '-ism' is appended, converting the adjectival concept into the name of a formal doctrine or system of thought. Thus, the literal "tool-ism" elegantly encapsulates the theory's central tenet: that concepts and theories are not mirrors of reality but are pragmatic instruments designed for effective action and prediction.
Analysis
Structure: instrument (tool) + al (relating to) + ism (doctrine or theory)
instrument: From Latin instrumentum (a tool, implement, apparatus), from instruere (to build in, equip). Functions as the core root denoting a tool or means.
al: A Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives meaning "of, relating to, or characterized by." In this word, it forms the adjective instrumental.
ism: A suffix of Greek origin (via Latin -ismus) used to form nouns denoting a system, theory, or doctrine.
Examples
John Dewey's philosophy of pragmatism is often associated with a form of instrumentalism.
According to instrumentalism, a scientific theory is judged by its predictive power, not by whether it corresponds to an underlying reality.
Critics argue that instrumentalism fails to account for the explanatory depth of successful scientific theories.