Pragmatism as the Ontological Basis of Charles Sanders Peirce’s Thought

Abstract

This research aims to examine the ontological foundation in the thought of Charles Sanders Peirce as the originator of pragmatism. The method used is qualitative with a library research approach, analyzing various written works such as journals and books on Peirce's thought. The main findings of the study show that Peirce's pragmatic ontology is built on three fundamental concepts—belief, inquiry, and meaning—that form the framework for understanding reality as something that has practical consequences. Peirce proposed a dynamic ontological view through the categories of trichotomy (Firstness, Secondness, and Thirdness) that bridged the gap between idealism and materialism. Peirce's ontological dimension is also seen in his role in reformulating metaphysics and his emphasis on the communal aspect of the determination of reality. In conclusion, Peirce's pragmatism is not just a method of thinking, but rather a comprehensive ontological system that transforms the understanding of reality, truth, and meaning through pragmatic verification that emphasizes the relationship between belief, inquiry, and practical consequences.