“There is nothing so practical as a good theory.”

— Kurt Lewin

We Are Pragmatists and Therefore Value Theory

People love to divide the world into fanciful theorists and effective pragmatists, who get the job done. Facing a pressing issue immediate action is typically called for. The solution, conventional wisdom tells us, better be a pragmatic one.

Unfortunately, quite often a dangerous variety of pragmatism is called for and accordingly quick fixes and ad-hoc-solutions are implemented. Somehow the problem is reformulated to fit standard recipes. The effect of that kind of pragmatism, especially when facing complex issues, is a mere problem-shift. The issue will reappear either at a later point in time or at a different location.

Our understanding of pragmatism is different:  we will be completely focussed on helping you solve a problem. But to achieve this, we must have understood the deeper roots of the problem at hand and considered unintended side effects. Without a sufficient explanation, solving a problem rather quickly turns into groping around in the dark and action for the sake of action. A sufficient explanation is exactly what is meant by good theory.

We will certainly “roll up our sleeves” to give you the best possible support. But don’t expect us to do something, when not doing anything is the reasonable solution.