Pragmatism and symbolic interactionism

We began with the problem of convention. Convention, like preference in utilitarian thought, is commonly taken to prefi gure subsequent action. According to symbolic interactionism, however, convention derives from prior interaction. The understanding of events in terms of their consequences is characteristic of pragmatism in general. Within pragmatism, however, there is differential emphasis on emotional and cognitive mechanisms of consequence. Herein are alternative but compatible critiques of utilitarianism: emotional self-appraisal of needs of bodily maintenance, esteem satisfaction and value imperative, and also emergent meanings of an actor’s interest, purpose, and preference.