American Pragmatism is an essay that speaks on the philosophy known as pragmatism. The writings of William James and Benjamin Franklin are examined. William James argued that ideas are meaningful to the degree that they have practical consequences in human experience. The philosophical school of pragmatism indicates that in religion and politics, as well as in our personal relationships, the ultimate test of what a truth means is the conduct that it inspires. Benjamin Franklin trusted the pragmatism of the common citizen, and he saw American middle-class values as a source of social strength.