Dewey’s Pragmatism: Experimentation and Iteration in the Startup World

When we think of philosophy, the last thing that probably comes to mind is the fast-paced world of startups. Instead, we more than often picture stagnation, dusty bookshelves, and ideas that are fun to ponder but not practical to apply.?

But the ideas of John Dewey may just change this very outlook, especially for budding entrepreneurs and fresh startups.

Dewey is one of the key figures behind the philosophy of pragmatism, which could hold a goldmine of insights for entrepreneurs.?

Pragmatism isn’t just a dusty academic concept; it’s a revolutionary mindset that prioritizes action, experimentation, and problem-solving—principles every startup founder should embrace.

What is Pragmatism?

At its core, pragmatism is a philosophical tradition that views language and thought not as mere reflections of reality.

Rather, language and thoughts are not dimensions of objectivity but practical tools for prediction, problem-solving, and action. They exist to help us understand the “out-there”, as tools to help us better comprehend reality, rather than attempt to limit it.

Dewey championed this idea, believing that knowledge should be tested and refined through real-world application.?

But how is this relevant to entrepreneurs trying to make it in the ever-active startup environment?

Pragmatism’s emphasis on the practical and adaptive nature of knowledge has direct relevance for entrepreneurs, especially those navigating the dynamic and often unpredictable startup environment. This hands-on, experimental approach resonates deeply with the entrepreneurial journey, where uncertainty and rapid iteration are the norms.

Experimentation and Iteration: The Startup Connection

Pragmatism encourages a "learn-by-doing" attitude, where ideas are tested in the real world and refined based on outcomes. This mirrors the agile methodology widely used in tech startups, where product development happens in iterative cycles.?

Think of it as a scientific method for business: hypothesize, test, learn, and repeat.

Take Dewey’s emphasis on adaptability—he argued that rigid thinking stifles progress. For startups, this translates to staying flexible, pivoting when necessary, and evolving with market feedback.?

Airbnb’s founders, for instance, didn’t start with a grand vision of disrupting the hospitality industry. They began by renting out air mattresses in their apartment and iterated their model based on customer feedback. Pragmatism in action!

Tools for Problem Solving

Pragmatism sees tools—be that language, technology, or strategies—as means to an end. Tools themselves are value-neutral; it is how we, as entrepreneurs, utilize them as experimentative, open-minded thinkers and leaders.?

In the startup world, this could mean leveraging analytics platforms to track user behavior, design thinking for problem-solving, or even AI to streamline operations. The key is to use these tools flexibly, tweaking them as needed to solve problems more effectively.

Why This Matters for Startups

Startups operate in high-risk, fast-changing environments. Pragmatism offers a way to navigate this uncertainty by focusing on results rather than perfection.?

A pragmatic entrepreneur asks, What works? rather than, What’s ideal??

This mindset encourages action over analysis paralysis—a crucial trait when trying to gain traction in competitive markets.

Examples of Companies Embracing Pragmatism

1. Slack: Initially designed as an internal tool for game developers, Slack evolved into the go-to communication platform for businesses. Its success came from constant iteration and listening to user feedback.
2. Instagram: Before becoming the social media juggernaut we know, Instagram started as Burbn, a check-in app. Pragmatic adjustments based on user data helped it pivot to focus on photo sharing.

Amazon: Jeff Bezos famously implemented a "two-pizza team" rule to keep teams agile and adaptive—a pragmatic approach to avoiding bureaucracy in a growing company.

How to Use Pragmatism to Boost Your Startup

• Start Small, Iterate Fast: Launch a minimum viable product (MVP) and refine it based on user feedback. Don’t wait for perfection; pragmatism thrives on action.
• Stay Flexible: Be ready to pivot if your initial idea doesn’t gain traction. Treat failures as learning opportunities rather than setbacks.
• Focus on Problem-Solving: Identify real customer pain points and design solutions that address them directly. Pragmatism prioritizes utility over aesthetics.
• Test Assumptions: Just as Dewey advocated for testing ideas in the real world, challenge your business assumptions and validate them with data.
• Leverage Tools Wisely: Use tools and technology not as ends in themselves but as means to solve problems and achieve results.

Conclusion: Pragmatism as the Ultimate Startup Mindset

Dewey’s philosophy may have been born in the academic halls of the early 20th century, but its principles are alive and well in today’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.?

Pragmatism teaches startups to embrace uncertainty, act decisively, and adapt continuously—a recipe for thriving in a competitive, ever-changing market.?

By channeling this philosophy, your startup can go beyond mere survival to achieve scalable, sustainable success.