Historical dialectical materialism and pragmatism: An analysis of their contributions to occupational therapy and occupational science

This theoretical essay explores the contributions of historical-dialectical materialism and pragmatism to knowledge construction in occupational therapy and occupational science. The paper presents a conceptual analysis related to philosophical foundations, concepts of truth, and approaches to occupation/everyday life and praxis. Pragmatism highlights the role of individual experience and contextual adaptation through practical action. In contrast, historical-dialectical materialism emphasizes the structural, material, and historical dimensions of everyday life/occupation, focusing on the contradictions of labor in capitalism. Pragmatism proposes social transformation based on inquiry and experience, while historical-dialectical materialism roots it in collective struggles aiming at disrupting structural inequalities. A reflective analysis reveals that each perspective offers distinct yet valuable insights for understanding occupation/everyday life. The findings underscore the importance of philosophical pluralism in the field and suggest that, overall, integrating a range of diverse theoretical approaches could potentially enhance the capacity of occupational therapy and occupational science to engage with complex social realities and to support a more critically grounded and socially responsive practice. As such, the article offers an introductory contribution to ongoing academic discussions in the field.