Abstract

ICT4D research is strongly oriented to practice but hardly ever explicitly uses the research paradigm of pragmatism. We argue that, though highly-relevant to ICT4D, pragmatism suffers some shortcomings in terms of its philosophy of the world, explanatory power, truth-testing, and values. We suggest that “pragmatist-critical realism” – a novel research paradigm combining pragmatism and critical realism – can address these shortcomings and provide a valuable foundation for ICT4D research; particularly action-oriented research. We outline a four-step operational methodology for pragmatist-critical realism based on a research project that created an “e-resilience” action plan applying ICTs to strengthen resilience of farming communities in Uganda. We hope other action- and design-oriented ICT4D researchers will be encouraged to assess whether pragmatist-critical realism could form a useful basis for their future research.

Highlights

  • The application of information and communication technologies to development (ICT4D) is highly practical

  • We argue not merely that critical realism is commensurable with pragmatism but that explicitly recognising their intersection as a variant research paradigm – pragmatist-critical realism (PCR) – will help address the shortcomings of pragmatism alone

  • Pragmatism has much to recommend it as a research paradigm for ICT4D research because of its congruity with ICT4D’s practical orientation

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Summary

Introduction

The application of information and communication technologies to development (ICT4D) is highly practical. Of the remaining 11 items, seven make just a brief assertion that they are guided by the philosophy of pragmatism but without further explanation or exploration; and four provide only a little more detail identifying pragmatism as a relevant frame for ICT4D action and/or design-science-based research seeking to construct knowledge of practical utility. This very limited depth and breadth – without direct reference to the works of pragmatist philosophers – provides little basis for an understanding of what pragmatism means in ICT4D. Issues of whose problems are attended to, of who wins and who loses from practice, may be addressed but pragmatism provides no inherent judgement on the answers

Pragmatist-Critical Realism
Pragmatist-Critical Realist Methodology Overview
Application of a Pragmatist-Critical Realist Methodology
Conclusions

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