Pragmatism is a method used in philosophy and social sciences in the USA, that was started by American philosopher Charles Sanders Peirce (1839–1914). Peirce defined pragmatism as follows: “Consider what effects that might conceivably have practical bearings, we conceive the object of our conception to have. Then, our conception of these effects is the whole of our conception of the object” (1878). 

American philosopher William James, in his book Pragmatism (1907) sees pragmatist epistemology as starting from the assumption that theories should be judged based on their practical consequences, that is, whether they can bring any real benefit, and if they cannot, they should be rejected. Pragmatism states that truth can never be absolute, because it can always change, due to new knowledge or attitudes. 

American philosopher John Dewey is also an important follower of pragmatism and he wanted to systematize James' teachings. American sociologist Jane Addams combined the basic ideas of symbolic interactionism with ideas of feminism and pragmatism, in forming her sociological ideas. American philosopher, psychologist, and sociologist George Herbert Mead's approach was also influenced by W. James' philosophy of pragmatism.

Books:

James, William. Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking (1907);

Pierce, Charles Sanders. "How to Make Our Ideas Clear", in Popular Science Monthly (1878).