Pragmatism has been Called America's only major contribution to philosophy. But since its birth was announced a century ago in 1898 by william james, pragmatism has played a vital role in almost every area of American in...Pragmatism has been Called America's only major contribution to philosophy. But since its birth was announced a century ago in 1898 by william james, pragmatism has played a vital role in almost every area of American intellectual and cultural life, inspiring judges, educators, politicians, poets, and social prophets.