We make decisions. That’s a good part of what we do. For example, I have just decided to compose a post about decision making.
But how do we make decisions? How do we decide?
Generally speaking, we make some decisions on the basis of what is true. And we make other decisions on the basis of what works best for us. That latter kind of decision is usually said to be a pragmatic choice.
Examples
If I am solving a mathematical problem such as balancing my checkbook, then I am making decisions based on truth. If I am working on a logic problem, again that is going to be making decisions based on truth.
I walk into a restaurant, look at the menu, and decide what to order. That’s normally a pragmatic choice. It need not be. Perhaps I have created a rule for myself that if it is Sunday I should order the first item on the menu, if it is Monday I should order the second item, etc. If I am exactly following those rules, then I am making a decision based on truth. But that isn’t what we normally do when ordering a meal at a restaurant.
The Heretical Philosopher 