School #17

Pragmatic Realism

Putnam

Pragmatic Realism combines elements of realism and pragmatism, suggesting that reality exists independently of our thoughts but our understanding of it is shaped by practical consequences and human purposes.

I. Time

Extent Infinite
Ontological Status Emergent
Grain Continuous
Freedom Non-Deterministic
Traversability Linear
Dimensionality One
Direction Uni-directional

Time is emergent and practically relevant — it exists as a real feature of the world but our understanding of it is shaped by its utility for human inquiry and action. Time is continuous, linear, and uni-directional as it functions in practice. Its extent is infinite in the sense that inquiry has no final horizon.

II. Space

Extent Finite
Ontological Status Emergent
Curvature Flat
Dimensionality Three
Locality Local

Space is emergent and practically relevant — it is real but understood through the lens of practical engagement. It is flat, finite, local, and three-dimensional as experienced in ordinary action. The pragmatic realist accepts the reality of space without committing to a purely substantivalist or purely relational metaphysics.

III. Matter

Extent Finite
Ontological Status Emergent
Conservation Conserved
Dimensionality Three
Locality Local

Matter is emergent and practically relevant — it is real in the sense that it resists and responds to human action, but our descriptions of it are shaped by practical purposes. Matter is conserved and local as experienced in inquiry. The pragmatic realist treats material reality as genuine without claiming to have captured its ultimate nature.

IV. Observer

Time Instance Single
Space Instance Single
Extent of Knowledge Immediate
Retainment of Knowledge Total
Physicality Embodied
Agency Active
Number Plural
Time Instance: Single — the observer engages with a real, independently-existing world practically and in the present moment
Space Instance: Single — the observer is situated in a specific practical context and environment
Extent of Knowledge: Immediate — knowledge is evaluated by its practical utility; total knowledge is neither required nor achievable
Retainment of Knowledge: Total — practically useful knowledge accumulates over time and continues to guide future action

V. Energy

Extent Finite
Ontological Status Substantival
Conservation Conserved
Dispersibility Irreversible

Energy is substantival and practically relevant — it is a real feature of the world understood through its role in scientific inquiry and practical action. Conservation holds as a well-confirmed regularity. Dispersibility is irreversible, grounding practical constraints on action.

VI. Information

Ontological Status Relational
Conservation Conserved
Granularity Continuous

Information is validated through its functional role in inquiry and practical success. It is relational — defined by its use in context rather than existing in isolation.

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