The relationship between ends and means in environmental policy: Pragmatic holism as a critique of productivism and technological determinism

This paper explores the relationship between ends and means through the lens of classical American pragmatism, with a particular focus on the philosophy of John Dewey. It critiques the dominant productivist discourse, which views technology as a universal tool for achieving predefined goals such as economic growth, and examines the limitations of this approach in the context of contemporary ecological challenges. The author advocates for pragmatic holism as an alternative theoretical framework, wherein ends and means are not hierarchically separated but form a dynamic continuum shaped by specific problematic situations. Emphasis is placed on the importance of reflection, deliberation, the principle of inclusivity in democracy, and an experimental approach in shaping public policies related to ecological transition.