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instrumentalism Definition

in·stru·men·tal·ism (-iz′əm)

noun

Philos. the pragmatic doctrine that ideas are plans for action serving as instruments for adjustment to the environment and that their validity is tested by their effectiveness

instrumentalism Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • increase: This book is an attempt to break the stifling consensus about arts policy today, and challenge the increasing instrumentalism of policy-makers.

Noun used with modifier

  • rule: Legal rules are then instrumental to the achievement of the posited goal; call this approach rule instrumentalism.