The development of society towards modernism from the 19th century to the present period gave birth to new ideologies and philosophies that did not only reflect the emergence of a modern society, but also the corresponding intellectual development that occurred with it. This corresponding intellectual development gave birth to new ideas that expanded humanity's understanding of the world and their everyday experiences in life. Among the most prevalent, new forms of philosophies that emerged during the modern period are the pragmatism, relativism, and irrationalism.

             These philosophies have contributed to changes in people's mindset: where once, it was believed that there is only one truth and path towards achieving knowledge, philosophies of the modern period refutes this notion. Through pragmatism, relativism, and irrationalism, we learned that truth is not only multi-faceted, but is also indeterminate. Similarly, knowledge-seeking is not a single path to be taken, but can actually be obtained from multiple, different paths. Thus, there is no definite truth or path to achieve knowledge. Each individual has the right to achieve truth and knowledge in his/her own way and manner.

             In the following texts, the principles behind the philosophies of pragmatism, relativism, and irrationalism are discussed. The discussion of each philosophy unfolds the fact that philosophy of the 20th century offered a "middle ground" on which humanity created and believed in one or more variations of truth and knowledge. .

             Pragmatism is one of the first philosophies that emerged during the modernist period that offered the concept of multiple truths and ways of seeking knowledge. Pragmatism as a philosophy posits that all ideas and theories should be tested in practice, which allows people to discover whether this philosophy produces desirable or undesirable results. Testing of ideas and theories can be applied to claims about truth, knowledge, and morality-ideas that have been given different meanings and interpretation throughout history.