instrumentalism

American  

[in-struh-men-tl-iz-uhm] / ˌɪn strəˈmɛn tlˌɪz əm /

noun

Philosophy.

1. the variety of pragmatism developed by John Dewey, maintaining that the truth of an idea is determined by its success in the active solution of a problem and that the value of ideas is determined by their function in human experience.

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instrumentalism British  

/ ˌɪnstrəˈmɛntəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. a system of pragmatic philosophy holding that ideas are instruments, that they should guide our actions and can change the world, and that their value consists not in their truth but in their success

2. an antirealist philosophy of science that holds that theories are not true or false but are merely tools for deriving predictions from observational data

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Etymology

Origin of instrumentalism

First recorded in 1905–10; instrumental + -ism

Example Sentences

In this intricate display of instrumentalism, dark electronica and high-pitched vocals blend into feelgood jazz and ’80s synth pop without notice.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 24, 2025

It refuses the notion that teaching is a technical act, a homage to an empty instrumentalism divorced from context, insisting instead that education is always implicated in the struggle over meaning and memory.

From Salon • Jun. 29, 2025

The band had added layers of overdubbed vocals and haunting instrumentalism to the song.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2025

With their shape-shifting, collagelike arrangements, Bright Eyes’ instrumentalism often approximates some sort of sonic primordial ooze.

From New York Times • Aug. 20, 2020

Dewey reaches his instrumentalism through a psychological analysis of the judgment process.

From John Dewey's logical theory by Howard, Delton Thomas