Definitions
- Referring to a practical approach to problem-solving or decision-making. - Describing a philosophy that emphasizes practicality and usefulness over theory or ideology. - Talking about a mindset that prioritizes results and effectiveness over abstract principles or beliefs.
- Referring to a practical solution that is chosen for its convenience or immediate benefit. - Describing a decision that is made based on what is most advantageous in the short term. - Talking about a course of action that is taken for its practicality rather than its moral or ethical considerations.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words emphasize practicality and usefulness.
- 2Both words are concerned with achieving a desired outcome.
- 3Both words can refer to a decision or course of action that is chosen for its practical benefits.
What is the difference?
- 1Focus: Pragmatism emphasizes a practical approach to problem-solving or decision-making, while expediency focuses on what is most advantageous in the short term.
- 2Motivation: Pragmatism is motivated by a desire for effectiveness and results, while expediency is motivated by convenience or immediate benefit.
- 3Scope: Pragmatism can be applied to a wide range of contexts, including philosophy, politics, and business, while expediency is more limited in scope and often used in a negative sense.
- 4Connotation: Pragmatism has a positive connotation, suggesting a practical and effective approach, while expediency can have a negative connotation, suggesting a decision that is made for selfish or unethical reasons.
- 5Long-term vs. short-term: Pragmatism can involve a long-term perspective, while expediency is focused on immediate benefits.
Remember this!
Pragmatism and expediency are both concerned with practicality and usefulness, but they differ in their focus, motivation, scope, connotation, and time frame. Pragmatism emphasizes a practical approach to problem-solving or decision-making, motivated by a desire for effectiveness and results. It can be applied to a wide range of contexts and has a positive connotation. Expediency, on the other hand, focuses on what is most advantageous in the short term, motivated by convenience or immediate benefit. It has a more limited scope and can have a negative connotation.