instrumentalism

noun

• 1a pragmatic philosophical approach that regards an activity (such as science, law, or education) chiefly as an instrument or tool for some practical purpose, rather than in more absolute or ideal terms, in particular.
• Philosophy the pragmatic philosophy of John Dewey that supposes that thought is an instrument for solving practical problems and that truth is not fixed but changes as the problems change.
• (especially in Marxist theory) the view that the state and social organizations are tools that are exploited by the ruling class or by individuals in their own interests.

• 2 Music, rare instrumental technique.