instrumentalism
/ˌɪnstrəˈmɛntlˌɪzəm/
noun
- A philosophical belief that ideas and theories are tools for solving problems and should be judged by how useful they are, not by whether they are absolutely true.
- Instrumentalism argues that a scientific theory is valuable if it helps us make accurate predictions.
- The politician's instrumentalism meant he supported policies that worked, even if they weren't ideologically pure.
- Many educators adopt instrumentalism, focusing on what students can practically apply.
Synonyms