Correct option is B
Both statements are true but not causally related. Assertion (A) correctly characterizes philosophical pragmatism (Peirce, James, Dewey) as emphasizing practical consequences and outcomes over abstract methodological purity—truth is determined by utility and workability. Reason (R) is also true: pragmatic science values methodological pluralism, accepting diverse empirical approaches if they produce reliable knowledge. However, (R) does not explain (A) because they address different aspects: (A) concerns outcome-focused epistemology while (R) concerns methodological flexibility, which are complementary but independent characteristics of pragmatism.
Information Booster:
● Philosophical pragmatism: American philosophical tradition emphasizing practical effects as criteria for meaning and truth (Peirce, James, Dewey)
● Truth criterion: Ideas are true if they work satisfactorily in practice and lead to successful predictions
● Methodological pragmatism: Accepts multiple research methods (quantitative, qualitative, mixed) based on research questions
● Anti-foundationalism: Rejects search for absolute foundations; knowledge is provisional and context-dependent
● Application in psychology: Supports mixed-methods research, applied focus, and evidence-based practice
● Contrast with rationalism: Emphasizes experience and consequences over pure reason or a priori principles